Mr. William J. Cullerton with his wife, Elaine "Steve" Cullerton in the 1990's. | Provided Family photos

First Lieutenant Bill Cullerton at home in Chicago, Christmas of 1944, for a war bond tour, between his first and second flight tours. Mr. Cullerton had four aerial and 14 ground kills at this point. the war bond tour would be cut short due to the Battle of the Bulge.

William J. Cullerton Sr.

William J. Cullerton from his 1969 Safari photo. | Provided family photo

William J. Cullerton and his bride, Elaine "Steve" Stephen on their wedding day, a mere four months after his ordeal in Germany. | Provided family photo

Mr. William J. Cullerton, 21, looks out from his World War II P-51D Mustang Fighter airplane. | Provided Family photos