WWII Veteran - WILLIAM “Bill” DUNSMORE II
William “Bill” Mandeville Dunsmore II, 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6, 2020, at the Nevada State Veterans Home, with his son and daughter-in-law holding his hands.
Born April 3, 1925, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to John and Lillian Dunsmore, Bill grew up in Tacoma, Washington, after the family moved west. Before finishing high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 17, 1943. He completed boot camp in Farragut, Idaho, as a Radio Dispatcher but, wanting more action, trained in Chicago as a Motor Machinist Mate 2nd Class. He went on to pilot amphibious landing craft aboard the USS Thomas Jefferson.
In just three years of service, Bill took part in four major WWII invasions:
Sicily – July 10, 1943
Normandy (D-Day) – June 6, 1944
Southern France – August 15, 1944
Okinawa – April 1, 1945
On D-Day, his landing craft was bombed off Omaha Beach. Despite shrapnel wounds to his shoulder and arm, Bill survived by treading water for six hours in the freezing surf, an act for which he received the Purple Heart. Undeterred, he returned to take part in two more invasions. In 2019, more than 70 years later, he was honored with France’s highest military award, the Legion of Honor.
After returning home, Bill completed his high school diploma and moved to Los Angeles, where he married the love of his life, Pauline “Polly” Rush, on February 5, 1947. They were blessed with two children, daughter Sharmon and son Billy. Sadly, their daughter Sharmon passed away from cancer in 1986.
Bill joined the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1950 and served for 26 years before retiring in 1976. A devoted fireman and family man, he also pursued his passion for engines and speed. He became a pioneer in the powerboat racing world, building his famed race boat in his garage. With partner Tony Maricich, he won two National Titles (1964 and 1965) and set numerous records.
In 1975, he founded Race Aero, developing a marine turbocharging system that revolutionized offshore racing. After selling the business to Tom Gentry, Bill continued to innovate, designing water-cooled turbo housings and helping power Gentry’s “American Eagle” racing team to success.
Bill and Polly moved to Boulder City, Nevada, in 1996. There, he worked alongside his son at Dunsmore Marine for more than two decades. After breaking his hip and femur in 2018, he remained wheelchair-bound but was lovingly cared for by the nurses and staff at the Nevada State Veterans Home.
Known for his humor, warmth, and no-filter practical jokes, Bill loved gambling at Railroad Pass, apple pie, and cooking his legendary fireman’s chili. Outspoken, patriotic, and deeply devoted to his family, he lived life with passion and resilience.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Polly, who passed away on February 5, 1999, in Boulder City.
Bill is survived by his son Billy, daughter-in-law Lori, granddaughter Lauren Cranny (Marcus) and their children Jameson and Willa May; grandsons Craig Michael (Brandy) and their children Harmony Sharmon and Grant William; and Clint Michael (Kathy).
The Dunsmore family, along with the boating, firefighting, and veteran communities, lost a pioneer, mentor, inventor, role model, friend, WWII hero, Purple Heart recipient, and devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Services with full military honors were held on March 26, 2020, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
William “Bill” Dunsmore – A Lasting Legacy: My Reflections
Bill was one of the veterans I had the privilege to meet and photograph at the Boulder City Veteran Center. Though my time with him was brief compared to others, he left a lasting impression on me. From the moment I arrived, his gracious nature and easy smile filled the room. There was a sparkle in his eyes that revealed both his humor and his strength, the kind of presence that could instantly make you feel welcome.
His daughter stood proudly by his side as I took his portrait. The way she looked at him, beaming with love and admiration, spoke volumes about the legacy he leaves behind—not only as a decorated WWII hero and pioneer in so many fields but as a father whose family knew and cherished his heart.
Even in that short encounter, it was clear that Bill carried the same qualities that defined his life: charm, warmth, and a deep love for those around him. His smile told his story as much as his medals ever could—a story of resilience, humor, and devotion that will live on through his family and all who had the honor to meet him.
