MSGT(Ret) William "Bill" Bercaw

MSGT (Ret) William “Bill” Bercaw, age 81, of Crestview, FL passed away Saturday, March 19, 2022, at his residence.

Bill was born August 10, 1940, in Bronx, New York. He served his country honorably and proudly in the United States Navy beginning September 23, 1957 - August 9, 1961, and the United States Army from November 1, 1961- December 31, 1977. Bill served over twenty years before his retirement. He had a career in a lot of different military settings across the United States, Korea, and served three tours in  Vietnam.  Bill was not an armchair warrior but rather an avid leader of soldiers wherever he was sent. Bill earned the respect and admiration of his fellow soldiers.

Over the course of his long military service, Bill earned many decorations and awards for achievement and duty, such as The Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two silver and three bronze service stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (1960), Distinguished Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Army Commendation Medal with Valor Device with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star with Valor with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

He was the son of the late Walter and Christina Bertelsen Bercaw. Those left to cherish his memory are his friends Roy and Debra Mathis, Craig Sargent, Denny Cherry, Larry Owen, Jim Quigley, Darrel Pritt, three godchildren Kimberly Wiggins, Larry M. Owen, and Jonathon Owen; his sister Christina Henrich; three nieces; and many other friends.

 A memorial service will be held to celebrate Bill's life Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 11am at the American Legion on Highway 90, Crestview, FL.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview.  Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com