booklet
Catalog Number
2020.12.7Title
Papuan CampaignDescription
Booklet, Papuan Campaign, with a map of Buna on the front. This booklet details the Buna-Sanananda Operation that took place from November 16, 1942 to January 23, 1943.106 pages with a loose binding and a missing back cover.
History
William A. "Bill" Sikkel was born in Holland Michigan on November 25, 1920 to Peter and Maggie (Tymes) Sikkel. He was raised there and graduated from Holland Christian High in 1938.Sikkel joined Holland's Company D, 126th Infantry on his 18th birthday. He was part of the famous crossing of the Owen Stanley Mountains in the New Guinea Campaign.
In 1946, Sikkel was asked by the governor of Michigan to reorganize and serve as captain of the Holland Unit of Company D, 126th Infantry. After 32 years of service, he retired a Lt. Colonel from the Army of the United States and the Michigan National Guard.
Bill's political career began when he was elected mayor of the City of Holland. He served from 1983 to 1987.
Bill passed away on 1-3-2013