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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

USS LCI(L)-329

USS Achilles (ARL-41)

LT. Illing William Arthur, USNR
Commanding Officer USS LCI(L)-329

LCDR. Illing William Arthur, USNR
Commanding Officer USS Achilles (ARL-41)

Commander William Arthur Illing was born 18 August 1906, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He first enlisted in the US Navy on June 30, 1926 and served until 10 September 1928. However, five days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he once again re-enlisted on 21 Dececember 1941, at the start of World War II.

Illing (then a Lieutenant) was the commanding officer of the USS LCI(L)-329 from November 8, 1942 until Feb. 1944. He earned 5 bronze battle stars in the Pacific Theater, 2 while aboard LCI-329: at the Battle of Rendova Harbor in the New Georgia Islands, and the Battle of Treasury Islands in the Bougainville-Treasury Campaign. After spending more than a year commanding an LCI in 2 major battles, he was sent back to the US to train the new sailors as an instructor at a Ship Training Group, Amphibious Forces, Pacific Fleet. He also later served as commanding officer of USS Achilles (ARL-41) as a Lieutenant Commander in 1945. He spent the rest of his career as a Navy officer, and eventually retired on Sept. 1, 1966.

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Last Updated 14 February 2025