Willis Eugene Gentz was born in New England, Hettinger County, North Dakota on May 26, 1926, to Arnold Albert and Elsie M Larsen Gentz. He entered the United States Navy Reserve in Minneapolis, Minnesota on October 3, 1943, and was engaged in the Australia, Hawaiian Islands, Invasion of Philippines and served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. Signalman Third Class Gentz was awarded the Purple Heart, the American Campaign Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon, the Victory Medal, the Good Conduct Medal (posthumously).