Tec5 William Paul “Billy” Keele, a proud American soldier and prisoner of war during World War II, will finally be laid to rest with full military honors after more than eight decades. He was born on December 5, 1917 in Tennessee. He enlisted in the United States Army Quartermaster Corps on September 30, 1940 at Vancouver Barracks, Washington. He was later assigned to the 33rd Quartermaster Truck Regiment in the Philippines.
Following the fall of the Philippines in April 1942, American and Filipino soldiers were taken prisoner. They endured the infamous Bataan Death March, where they were forced to march approximately 65 miles with little food, water, or medical care.
William was later imprisoned at the Cabanatuan POW Camp. On July 16, 1942, at 11:25 a.m., he died while still in captivity. His death was recorded on a condensed milk can. William was buried in common grave 316 at the POW camp.
In 1948, the remains from the common graves were transferred to Manila. Tec5 Keele was finally identified and will now receive the honorable burial long owed to him by a grateful nation.
William received numerous honors posthumously, including the Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
He is survived by his sister and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members who continue to honor and remember his life, service, and sacrifice.
August 4, 2026 — 10:00 AM
Ride Captain:
Joe “Magic” Maglie
501-416-1178
Instructions:
Stage at 10:00
Briefing at 10:15
At 10:30 we will prepare for arrival of the aircraft and stand a flag line as the procession leaves the tarmac.
Escort to McConnell Funeral Home, 137 N Main St, Greenwood, AR. ETA is approximately 2:00.
NOTE 1: Escort is in work with various LEOs. Potential routes are anywhere from 140 to 175 miles at highway speeds. We are hoping to work out a fuel stop along the way but that is not guaranteed.
Bikes that cannot make the entire trip can fall out to the RIGHT shoulder as needed, SAFELY.
NOTE 2: ALL ARRIVAL/ESCORT TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE
Flags will be provided.
Large Bike Flags will not be needed.
Water will not be provided, please bring your own.
August 4, 2026 — 1:30 PM
137 N Main St
Greenwood, AR
Ride Captain:
None Assigned
Instructions:
Stage at 1:30
Prepare to stand respect line for arrival of procession. Estimated ETA is anywhere from 1:45 – 2:15 pm. Will update when possible.
NOTE: Burial is scheduled for Aug 7th at Ft. Smith National Cemetery.
Flags will be provided.
Large Bike Flags will not be needed.
Water will not be provided, please bring your own.
Submitted by: Joe Maglie
National Admin Mission Controller / Arkansas Ride Captain
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