EAST ALTON - As Veterans Day comes on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, William Roe is remembered for his service in the U.S. Navy.
Roe, an Alton native, served in the U.S. Navy from 1976 to 1980 with assignments aboard the USS Tripoli (LPH-10) and USS Sperry (AS-12).
Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
Roe held the rank of HT 2, with a pay grade of E-5. His awards included the Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Navy “E” Award.
Roe’s four years in the U.S. Navy took him overseas and put his welding skills to work maintaining submarines. Roe's entry into the Navy occurred 20 days after his graduation from Alton High School. William now lives in East Alton.
Roe served from 1976 to 1980, with assignments aboard the USS Tripoli (LPH-10) and USS Sperry (AS-12). He held the rank of HT 2, with a pay grade of E-5. His awards included the Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Navy “E” Award.
Roe, who recently turned 68, graduated from Alton High in 1976 and reported to San Diego 20 days later. His first ship was a helicopter carrier. He later went overseas and was flown home from Japan to attend school.
“I had some good things happen while I was in the Navy; I met a lot of people and went overseas,” Roe said.
Among his memories were sightseeing in the Philippines and spending New Year’s Eve in 1977-78 at the Hong Kong Hilton.
Aboard the Sperry, Roe worked on submarine maintenance, including welding repairs on nuclear submarines. He recalled becoming particularly busy when hostages were taken in Iran.
After leaving the Navy, Roe continued working as a welder. He was hired at Olin in February 1981 and worked there for 40 years, leaving in February 2021.
Roe's service also extended to the East Alton Fire Department, where he spent a little more than 25 years in a paid-on-call role.
To submit a Veteran Salute profile, click below:
https://contribute.riverbender.com/page/veteran-salute/
