BILL REILLY


1931 - 2001

SGT. Bill Reilly was borne on December 30, 1931 in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. On October 23, 1952, Bill enlisted on the US Army, and was assigned to the 187 Airborne Regimental Team, during the Korean conflict period.

The 187 Airborne was formed in WW II as the 187th Glider Infantry Regiment. Then, it was redesigned as the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment on June 30, 1949, and was part of the 11th Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY. On August 1950, the regiment became the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team (ARCT). On September 20, 1950, the team deployed to Japan. Later, the 187th ARCT made two successful airborne assaults on North Korea. Bill Reilly enlisted 7 months after the second parachute assault conducted on March 23, 1952. Although he did not participate in any combat jump, he was always ready to support his team.

Bill Reilly got out of the Army on October 13, 1955, three months after the 187th Airborne returned to the United States. After finishing his military career, Bill started working for the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts until the armory went out of business. Then, he began working for the Springfield US Post Office. On January 2, 1987, he retired from the Post Office, and moved to Barefoot Bay, Florida with his wife Nancy.

Months later, Bill Reilly joined the Space Coast All Airborne Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association. He was one of the most distinguish members for his support and loyalty to his fellow paratroopers. Beside supporting the Space Coast Chapter activities, Bill loved to sing. He was a member of the musical group, the Silver Notes.

On September 17, 2001, Bill passed away. His place of interment was the Fountainhead Funeral Home in Palm Bay, Florida with all the airborne honors provided by the Space Coast All Airborne Chapter. After his departure, his wife Nancy continued supporting the Space Coast Chapter. Currently, She is enjoying the chapter's meetings with the airborne spirit, characteristic of Bill Reilly. Although Bill is no longer in person with his fellow troopers and his wife, his legacy and memories will always be present in the Airborne community, and the people he loved.