William Hanson Gill was a highly decorated officer in the United States Army during World War II. Originally a civil engineer, Gill has entered the army in 1912 and served with infantry units throughout his career. He rose to the general's rank during World War II and commanded 32nd Infantry Division in the South Pacific Theater until the end of War.

The Battle of Driniumor River, also known as the Battle of Aitape, 10 July – 25 August 1944, was part of the Western New Guinea campaign of World War II. During the fighting, Japanese forces launched several attacks on United States forces on the Driniumor River, near Aitape in New Guinea, over the course of several weeks with the intention of retaking Aitape. After making some initial gains, the Japanese attack was contained and eventually turned back having suffered heavy casualties. The battle should not be confused with Operation Persecution, which included amphibious landings near Aitape in April 1944, or the Aitape–Wewak campaign, which began in November that year.