Bill Larr
| Date and Place of Birth: | 1916 Illinois |
| Date and Place of Death: | July 19, 1944 Faistenhair, Germany |
| Baseball Experience: | Semi-Pro |
| Position: | First Base |
| Rank: | First Lieutenant |
| Military Unit: | 761st Bomb Squadron, 460th Bomb Group USAAF |
| Area Served: | Mediterranean Theater of Operations |
Wilmot K. "Bill" Larr, the son of Bertrand and Elizabeth Larr, was born in Illinois in 1916. The family moved to Roseville, California where his father worked as a railroad conducter.
During the late 1930s, Larr played first base for the Roseville baseball team in the semi-pro Placer-Nevada League and also played in the Sacramento Valley League.
While working as a lumber yard clerk, Larr was called to service in March 1941, and trained as a pilot with the Army Air Force. In September 1943, he grauated as a bomber pilot with the rank of second lieutenant from the Central Flying Training Command in Texas.
Lt. Larr, who was married to Faye (nee Herberger) was assigned to the 761st Bomb Squadron of the 460th Bomb Group and delpoyed to Spinazzola Airfield in Italy to begin a strategic bombing campaign against Germany. Lt. Larr flew 45 missions over enemy territory and was a flight commander. He was awarded the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action. On July 19, 1944, his B-24 Liberator was hit by flak and crashed just west of Faistenhair, Germany. Lt. Larr and T/Sgt. Arthur J. Bolduc, Jr. were killed. The remainder of the crew survived and became Prisoners of War.
Bill Larr and Arthur Bolduc are buried at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska.
On Sunday April 14, 1946, a silent tribute was held before each opening day Placer-Nevada League game in honor of the four players who lost their lives in World War II. In addition to Bill Larr, Bill McNulty of Roseville and Colfax, Chuck Kuhn of Auburn, Don Irwin of Auburn and Colfax, and Bill Schroth of Placerville made the ultimate sacrifice.
Date Added March 16, 2020
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