The following are personal stories about Uncle Bill, a true American hero.
A Visit with "the Admiral"
The following is an account of an incident that occurred sometime between 1933 and 1936 on a visit to San Diego. At the time Uncle Bill was assigned to a destroyer berthed in San Diego. My parents were able to get permission to visit the ship and Uncle Bill. I was the youngest of two boys and probably the most precocious. Sometime, during our visit to Southern California and in discussions with our local relatives it was inferred that my uncle was an admiral. Although said in jest, being the youngest, I didn't comprehend the jest aspect of the conversation.
The next day we went to the Naval base. As we approached the gangway an armed sailor in uniform was checking off the names of the visitors. We were asked to identify the sailor we were to visit. Being the youngest, I proudly blurted out that we were to see Admiral Bill Sanders. The sailor chuckled and said he would notify "the admiral".
Years later, while visiting our grandmother, Nana, we had a good laugh about the ribbing Uncle Bill took from his shipmates.
--Dick Young
A Final Farewell
My mom, Betty Benson, told me how she was the last family member to see Uncle Bill before he sailed out of San Francisco on his fateful journey. It was important to her and I thought I should share it. --Betsy Holquist
A Deep Emotional Connection
I remember best, the deep emotional connection Uncle Bill had with his sisters. "Antique" as we called her (Auntie Annabelle -- she lovingly nicknamed me "Lippy") was my favorite and I remember her always having her photo of Uncle Bill displayed. --Jim Green
A Warning at Sea
When my Grammie was a Sergeant during WW II and sailing on a transport ship coming home she told of the story of "seeing" her brother (after the Hoel had gone down) and that he had warned her of the rough seas that were coming and to stay below deck.
--Betsy Holquist
Smiling Over His Family
I have always felt that Uncle Bill's spirit was very present in our lives because Mother and Grammie made him so real to us. I think he has been smiling down over this large extended family all along and this tribute is a testament to his love of family and country.
--Cindy Jensen
Uncle Bill to the Rescue!
The one story that stands out for me was told to me by my mother, MayBelle Green. For her high school graduation gift her parents bought her an expensive wrist watch. Soon after graduation, she traveled north to the Bay Area where Uncle Bill took her to an amusement park to celebrate her achievement. However, while riding the roller coaster, her brand new watch was smashed --- a total loss. She was afraid of what her parents might say --- Uncle Bill seemed to know this. He immediately took her to a jewelry store and bought her a new one. I always liked this story. My mother told it with such love and a big smile on her face. --Sally Green
His Namesake
Uncle Bill was a favorite of my mother. She never forgave Japan for his death in WWII. He meant so much to her that she named me after him. --Bill Stevens
A Memorable Meeting
In the letters from Uncle Bill he mentioned seeing Ed when they both happened to be in Hawaii. I remember Ed told me about that meeting and said he was bursting with pride to see his Uncle Bill. --Jo Ann Sanders
A Favorite Hymn
Eternal Father, Strong to Save has special meaning to the Sanders family. --Sally Green
Created with love by the Sanders family.