Bill Pummill, a World War II veteran who fought with the Marines at Iwo Jima and other Pacific islands, died Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2017. He was 95. Mr. Pummill was featured in the Tulsa World's "World War II veterans remember" series in 2015.

A native of Crocker, Missouri, and the eighth of his parents' 12 children, William A. "Bill" Pummill served more than three years in the Marine Corps during the war, participating in three fierce Pacific island campaigns at Bougainville Island, Guam and Iwo Jima. A member of the 3rd Marine Division, 9th Regiment, he was assigned to communications and helped set up radio and telephone service. In war zones, the job often meant having to duck bullets. At Iwo Jima, he said, he spent more time with a rifle in his hand. His unit went in two days after the invasion of the island began in February 1945. "I was thinking, man, I'll never make it through this," he told the Tulsa World. "But I did. I was very fortunate."

Mr. Pummill didn't see the famous flag-raising atop Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima, but he did go to an Easter service there afterward. He made it through the war unscathed despite a number of near misses. One came on Guam during a mortar attack.
The last of a group of Marines trying to take cover in a bomb crater, he couldn't make it and was forced to jump into an adjacent crater. Just as he did, a mortar hit the other crater. "All seven of those guys were killed," he said. "I still wonder how I could be so lucky".

After finishing his service, he settled in Tulsa, where he embarked on a 21-year career with American Airlines in quality control and purchasing. He raised two daughters with his first wife, Kathryn. She preceded him in death after 52 years of marriage.

Mr. Pummill didn't talk about his war experiences for years. He began to open up later in life, though, and appeared in programs at Tulsa's Circle Cinema. Having lived at Oklahoma Methodist Manor, he enjoyed the company of the World War II veterans among his fellow residents.

He was also preceded in death by his 11 brothers and sisters. Survivors include his wife, Helen Pummill; two daughters, Susan Pummill and Joan Armstrong; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A service is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at First Christian Church, Tulsa. Military honors will follow at Floral Haven Cemetery, Broken Arrow.

Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233.

Share memories at www.moorefuneral.com < http://www.moorefuneral.com >