William M. Yamada 1924 - 2017 William M. Yamada passed away early Sunday morning on November 5, 2017, at the age of 93. William was born on February 16, 1924, in San Diego, California to his predeceased parents, Masaichi Yamada and Hisa Iwatsubo Yamada. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Yoshiko Idoguchi Yamada. William is also survived by his two children, daughter Michiyo "Ann" Seward and son, John William Yamada, both residing in Fort Worth, Texas. William has four grandaugthers, Sheryl Ann Bakker ofColorado Springs, Colorado, Lisa Diann Phillips of Williston, South Carolina, Jennifer Yamada Gardiner of Fort WorthTexas and Jordan Yamada of Houston, Texas. William has 8 great-grandchildren Joe, Kalani, Braena, Hanna, Cody, Katelyn, Marissa, and Dawson and one great, great-grandchild, Alicia. Three of his great-grandchildren currently poudly serve in the military, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army Airborne and U.S. Air Force. "Willie" will be missed by his sister and brother-in-law, Ayako and Tom Segawa of La Mesa, Califfornia, along with nieces and nephews of California. All family members and friends will dearly miss him. Retired SSgt. William Yamada proudly served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, Fox Company in Italy during World War II and fought against the German Army of Hitler's Third Reich. The 442nd is most decorated Unit in the History of the United States Military with its members receiving 21 Medal of Honors, 9,500 Purple Hearts, 5,200 Bronze Star Medals, 588 Silver Stars, 52 Distinguished Service Crosses, and 7 Distinguished Unit Citations. William received a Purple Heart for his heroic and courageous actions during WW II and last year was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. After a short absence of service, he re-elisted in the U.S. Army and retired in 1965 with a total 20 years of service. William was an avid golfer and enjoyed the poker machines at Winstar. Gravesite services with full military honors will be held at DFW National Cemetary in Grand Prairie on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 12:30 p.m. With much appreciation and gratitude, family members request in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Disabled American Vets (DAV) or Wounded Warriors.