William Charles Fitzgerald
| William Charles Fitzgerald | |
|---|---|
Fitzgerald as a midshipman
|
|
| Nickname(s) | Bill |
| Born |
January 28, 1938 Montpelier, Vermont, U.S. |
| Died | August 7, 1967 (aged 29) Co Luy, South Vietnam |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1956–1967 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War † |
| Awards |
Navy Cross Purple Heart National Defense Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal Republic of Vietnam Campaign ribbon bar |
| Other work | USS Fitzgerald is named in his honor. |
William "Bill" C. Fitzgerald (January 28, 1938 – August 7, 1967) was a United States Navy officer who was killed in action during the Vietnam War, while serving as an advisor to the Republic of Vietnam Navy. He received the Navy Cross posthumously for his role in fighting off a Viet Cong attack.
Fitzgerald was born in Montpelier, Vermont, the second child and first son of Louis and Mildred Mary Fitzgerald. His father was a career Navy man who retired as a Chief Petty Officer. Fitzgerald grew up in the local area and graduated from Montpelier High School in June 1956.
Following graduation, he followed in his father's footsteps and enlisted in the United States Navy. As an enlisted sailor, Fitzgerald served on USS Samuel B. Roberts (DD-823), USS Hugh Purvis, and USS Gearing. Fitzgerald also served with Utility Squadron Six at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, while working on the Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter (DASH) program.
Seaman Fitzgerald eventually earned selection for officer training and appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
Fitzgerald excelled in naval education, softball, football, fencing, basketball, and tennis.
Midshipman Fitzgerald graduated and was commissioned in the United States Navy on June 5, 1963. He then reported to the destroyer USS Charles H. Roan, where he rose from "boot ensign" to weapons department head.
Following Roan, Lieutenant Fitzgerald reported to Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California, where he attended counterinsurgency training. Upon completion he was assigned duties as the senior U.S. advisor at Coastal Defense Group Sixteen in Vietnam. This group's compound was located adjacent to the village of Co Luy, near the delta of the Tra Khuc River, and about 70 miles southeast of Da Nang. In this position, he advised the Republic of Vietnam Navy on defense measures and on the capture of military supplies and contraband destined for Viet Cong forces.
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