WP
U.S. Coast Guard William Pfalmer
1970
William G. Pfalmer Jr.. William also served in the U.S. Coast Guard.
How He Died
Manner
Homicide
Cause
Gunshot wound
Mechanism
Firearm
Gunfire
What Happened
Officer William Pfalmer succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained 17 years earlier after stopping of a stolen vehicle containing three juveniles.
As Officer Pfalmer approached the stolen vehicle on June 9, 1953 the driver sped away. As the vehicle drove away Officer Pfalmer shot out its transmission, disabling it. When he approached the vehicle a second time one of the suspects opened fire on him, striking him in the left arm and right shoulder, shattering spine. The wound to the spine paralyzed Officer Pfalmer from the chest down. Over the next 17 years he underwent numerous surgeries as his health continued to deteriorate. He finally succumbed to the wound while undergoing a corrective surgery.
Officer Pfalmer was a US Coast Guard veteran and had served with the Anchorage Police Department for 3 years. He had previously served with the Alaska Territorial Police.
As Officer Pfalmer approached the stolen vehicle on June 9, 1953 the driver sped away. As the vehicle drove away Officer Pfalmer shot out its transmission, disabling it. When he approached the vehicle a second time one of the suspects opened fire on him, striking him in the left arm and right shoulder, shattering spine. The wound to the spine paralyzed Officer Pfalmer from the chest down. Over the next 17 years he underwent numerous surgeries as his health continued to deteriorate. He finally succumbed to the wound while undergoing a corrective surgery.
As Officer Pfalmer approached the stolen vehicle on June 9, 1953 the driver sped away. As the vehicle drove away Officer Pfalmer shot out its transmission, disabling it. When he approached the vehicle a second time one of the suspects opened fire on him, striking him in the left arm and right shoulder, shattering spine. The wound to the spine paralyzed Officer Pfalmer from the chest down. Over the next 17 years he underwent numerous surgeries as his health continued to deteriorate. He finally succumbed to the wound while undergoing a corrective surgery.
Officer Pfalmer was a US Coast Guard veteran and had served with the Anchorage Police Department for 3 years. He had previously served with the Alaska Territorial Police.
As Officer Pfalmer approached the stolen vehicle on June 9, 1953 the driver sped away. As the vehicle drove away Officer Pfalmer shot out its transmission, disabling it. When he approached the vehicle a second time one of the suspects opened fire on him, striking him in the left arm and right shoulder, shattering spine. The wound to the spine paralyzed Officer Pfalmer from the chest down. Over the next 17 years he underwent numerous surgeries as his health continued to deteriorate. He finally succumbed to the wound while undergoing a corrective surgery.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three sons, mother, and sister.
Service Record
1943 – 1945
U.S. Coast Guard
Also Served
Anchorage Police Department
Patrol Officer
In Our Keeping
Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtq04c7hw0g58cn2ds13p
Record added
August 2, 2026
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Last updated
August 2, 2026
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