William E. Metzger Jr.

Second Lieutenant William Edward Metzger Jr. was a United States Army Air Forces officer who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States military's highest decoration for valor, for his heroic actions during World War II.

Serving as a co-pilot on a B-17 Flying Fortress, Metzger's aircraft was severely damaged during a bombing mission. Despite the imminent danger and the opportunity to safely abandon the aircraft, Metzger remained at the controls alongside his pilot to allow other crew members to escape, ultimately sacrificing his life when the aircraft crashed.

His legacy remains an enduring example of selflessness and bravery within the annals of the United States Army Air Forces during the global conflict, with his actions forever preserved in the nation's military history.