In the May 14th, 2019 council meeting, the Town Council voted unanimously to recognize May 29, 2019 as “Bill Splichal Day”.
Mr. Splichal served in the United States Armed Forces for over 28 dedicated years during World War II and the Korean War. Mr. Splichal grew up in a musical family and played several instruments, which carried over into his military service. During war time when American soldiers saw many casualties, endured personal suffering and witnessed pervasive sadness, Mr. Splichal eased the pain by providing meaningful music that helped motivate, lift spirits and improve mental clarity for his fellow soldiers.
Mr. Splichal was drafted in 1943 at age 18 and served in World War II from March 20, 1943 to January 26, 1946. As a Private at Camp Butner, NC, Company I, 311th Infantry of the 78th Infantry Division for Basic Training, he received training on the M1 rifle, machine gun, 60MM mortar, bayonet and hand grenades. He was made active Corporal due to his excellence in weapons training. Cpl. Splichals dreams of joining the 78th Infantry Division Band came to fruition when assigned to Camp Kilmer NJ on the USS George O. Squier.
In 1944 Cpl Splichal arrived in Plymouth, England, where all musical instruments were stored during the war. After many stops, the troops set up Division Headquarters in Roetgen, Germany. During combat the 78th Infantry Division Band served as guards in the forward and rear echelon of Division Headquarters Cpl. Splichals job was to guard the Division Commander, Major General Edwin P. Parker, Jr. as well as to guard a road past the local field hospital. Cpl. Splichal witnessed many close calls and performed at many special occasions, during World War II including playing for General George Patton’s funeral in Heidelberg, Germany. Corporal Splichal was discharged from the Army in January 1946.
Following his time in the Army, Mr. Splichal attended the University of Nebraska, receiving a Bachelor of Music in Education and a Masters of Music. Mr. Splichal served in the Nebraska National Guard from May 1948 to September 1971, where he was a bandmaster for 23 years providing entertainment to troops. After completing his Master’s degree, Mr. Splichal was activated for the Korean War. At the time his rank was Warrant Officer in the 43rd Army Band. The band was transferred to Fort Richardson, Alaska as the Alaska Command Band and played many soldier shows, parades, concerts, dances and USO shows. The band performed with many celebrities, including Anne Blythe, Buddy Hackett and Ray Milland. Bill returned to Nebraska in September 1952 and stayed with the 43rd Army Band until September 1971 with a rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4.
Bill Splichal spent forty years working for State Farm Insurance, from 1956 to 1996. Mr. Splichal and his family moved to Trophy Club, Texas in 2000 after retirement. Once relocated, Mr. Splichal began teaching trumpet lessons at a music store, his home and at Medlin Middle School. In 2014 Mr. Splichal was the Honorary Veteran and Grand Marshal of the July 4, 2014 Parade of Patriots in Trophy Club.
Congressman Michael C. Burgess honored Trophy Club resident and U.S Army Veteran Bill Splichal at the November 11, 2014 “Salute Our Veterans” luncheon. Mr. Splichal was one of five individuals who received the 26th Congressional District Veteran Commendation.
Mayor Nick Sanders awarded the proclamation to Mr. Splichal at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting in presence of his wife Doris Clark Splichal. The date of the proclamation was chosen as it represents Mr. Splichal’s 95th birthday. A standing ovation erupted as Mr. Splichal received his award.
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