William L. Ware was a Corporal in the Army during World War II. William resided in Simpson County, Mississippi before enlisting on June 23, 1946. At the time of enlistment, William was 23 years old, had a grammar school education and was married. William was captured by Imperial Japan while serving in the Philippine Islands, and was sent to Hoten Camp near Manchuria where 1,420 other American POWs were held. William’s capture was first reported to the International Committee of the Red Cross on May 7, 1942, and the last report was made on October 12, 1945. Based on these two reports, William was imprisoned for at least 1,254 days (3 years and ~6 months), one of the longest durations of captivity recorded. Ultimately, William was returned to military control, liberated or repatriated.