Protagonist who enlists after Pearl Harbor, fails pilot training, becomes an instructor, and is falsely branded a coward. Later replaces a gunner on a B-17, is captured by French resistance, witnesses a German rocket launch, briefs Allied generals, collapses from exhaustion, escapes a military hospital, and is eventually returned for presidential decoration.
Marge is Bill's romantic partner, whose pride turns to skepticism until military officers arrive to confirm his story.
Gertrude is Bill's mother, raising him alongside Herman and reacting to his return with skepticism before validation.
Herman is Bill's father, sharing the town's initial pride and subsequent disbelief regarding his wartime experiences.
Explore the full interactive character relationship map of When Willie Comes Marching Home