William “Billie” Burns was born in Homer, NY, May 16, 1894. He spent most of his boyhood at the family residence on South Main Street. He attended Homer Academy and later was employed at the Wallace Wallpaper plant in Cortland.
He enlisted in the Regular Army in June, 1917 and did his early training at Fort Slocum, NY. Later he was sent to Camp Robertson, Sparta, Wisconsin. There he was assigned to Battery A, 17 Field Artillery. After several months of training, his unit was sent to France and assigned to the 2nd Division, which was the famous U.S. Marine Division.
On the first of June, 1918 this division was ordered to the front line at the Marne River to bolster the retreating French Army. The 2nd Division crossed the River Marne and after much fierce fighting, captured the famous Belleau Wood, the town of Thiolet, and the sector around the City of Vaux. This was one of the most important battles in history.
“Billie” Burns died of wounds received in this terrible battle. Later his remains were transferred to the U.S. Cemetery on the edge of this famous battleground. Notice of his death was received by his family on July 25, 1918. A few years later his mother and Mrs. William Bell of the West Road, who had also lost a son in France, visited France with a group of Gold Star mothers and was able to visit the grave of her son at Belleau Cemetery.
The following is a quote from the Homer Republican, editorial of August 1, 1918: “Billie” Burns gave all he had for his country – for us. We who knew him are going to miss his sunny smile and his jolly disposition. But we know what there was back of geniality, and the supreme sacrifice of “Billie” Burns is going to help us to live better lives, to be willing to sacrifice ourselves, that there may be fewer boys taken from us, as was “Billie” Burns. We take off our hats to him. After the war we must erect a monument to the boys who fought and died for us. The name of William Burns will be at the head of those inscribed on that monument. God grant that the names may be few, but thank God for such men as “Billie” Burns”.
