WILLIAM C. FITZGERALD, LT, USN
William Fitzgerald '63
Lucky Bag
From the 1963 Lucky Bag:
WILLIAM CHARLES FITZGERALD
Montpelier, Vermont
This curly-headed Irishman from Montpelier, Vermont, is one of the types that give the Brigade its reputation in many fields. He is truly devoted to the service. After thirty-four months as an enlisted man he looks to be a thirty year career man. "Fitz", as all his friends know him, has been in numerous predicaments on liberty which have furthered his reputation for having a good sense of humor. He is quite an athlete, having played Battalion fencing, company softball, heavyweight football, basketball, and Plebe fencing. In addition to these organized sports, he is a vicious weekend tennis player. During Second Class summer Bill was on the Plebe detail. Many nights were spent laughing at his little episodes with the Plebes. Then there is a serious side to "Baby Huey", as his roommates once called him. His fine record in aptitude and scholastics is only a small indication of the purpose with which he pursues his goal to be a good officer.
WILLIAM CHARLES FITZGERALD
Montpelier, Vermont
This curly-headed Irishman from Montpelier, Vermont, is one of the types that give the Brigade its reputation in many fields. He is truly devoted to the service. After thirty-four months as an enlisted man he looks to be a thirty year career man. "Fitz", as all his friends know him, has been in numerous predicaments on liberty which have furthered his reputation for having a good sense of humor. He is quite an athlete, having played Battalion fencing, company softball, heavyweight football, basketball, and Plebe fencing. In addition to these organized sports, he is a vicious weekend tennis player. During Second Class summer Bill was on the Plebe detail. Many nights were spent laughing at his little episodes with the Plebes. Then there is a serious side to "Baby Huey", as his roommates once called him. His fine record in aptitude and scholastics is only a small indication of the purpose with which he pursues his goal to be a good officer.
Obituary
From usna63.org:
Bill Fitzgerald was born 28 January 1938 in Montpelier, Vermont, 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. Bill grew up in the local area and graduated from Montpelier High School in June 1956. Following graduation, Bill followed in his father's footsteps and enlisted in the United States Navy, As an enlisted sailor, Bill served in USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (DD 823)., USS HUGH PURVIS (DD 709), and USS GEARING (DD 710).Bill also served with Utility Squadron SIX at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, while working on the Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter DASH) program. Seaman William Fitzgerald eventually earned selection for officer training and appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland.
During Midshipman Fitzgerald's days at Annapolis, he became well known as an outstanding leader and athlete. Bill Fitzgerald excelled in Naval Education, softball, football, fencing, basketball, and tennis. Additionally, Bill developed a great sense of camaraderie with his peers, and from his enlisted experience he had an intuitive grasp for being a great naval officer. Midshipman Fitzgerald earned his commission in the U.S. Navy on 5 June 1963. After graduation from Annapolis, Ensign Fitzgerald reported to USS CHARLES H. ROAN (DD 853), where he rose from "Boot Ensign" to Weapons Department Head, a position of great responsibility. 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 Costal 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 Danang. In this position, he advised the South Vietnamese Navy on defense measures and on the capture of military supplies and contraband destined for Viet Cong forces.
At about 0300 on 7 August 1967, Costal Group Sixteen's compound came under vicious attack by two Viet Cong battalions. The assault began with an intense mortar barrage followed immediately by the advance of troops. Fitzgerald, the senior American commander, immediately ordered a retreat of the civilians within the compound. Because of the compound's location adjacent to a river and the aggressors position, the only escape route was via water in small boats. Lieutenant Fitzgerald and three others delayed their retreat as long as possible in order to provide covering fire and to direct fire from surrounding friendly forces. Many calls were made to orbiting gunship aircraft, artillery units, and "Swift"-type fast river patrol boats to provide defensive fire. The Viet Cong attack, however was swift and well coordinated. It soon became apparent that the South Vietnamese forces were decimated and that the American bunker was the sole remaining source of resistance. As the situation deteriorated, Fitzgerald ordered his last three remaining defenders to retreat while he used arms fire to cover their escape. Fitzgerald was mortally wounded in this action.
In honor of Lieutenant William C. Fitzgerald's loyal and selfless dedication to his people, he was posthumously awarded the U. S. Navy's highest decoration for valor The Navy Cross. Additionally, he was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign ribbon bar.
LT Fitzgerald is survived by his wife Betty Ann, and their children who continue to reside in and around Montpelier VT. Mrs. Fitzgerald was designated sponsor of the ship named for her late husband and continues to be active in both official and unofficial ship functions.
He is buried in Vermont.
From Hall of Valor:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant William Charles Fitzgerald (NSN: 0-669041), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism on 7 August 1967 while serving as Senior Advisor to Vietnamese Navy Coastal Group SIXTEEN in connection with combat operations against the communist insurgents (Viet Cong) in the Republic of Vietnam. When Coastal Group 16 was taken under a coordinated attack by numerically superior Viet Cong forces, Lieutenant Fitzgerald immediately established communications with the Vietnamese Navy commanding officer, and attempted to coordinate assistance with free-world forces in the area. The enemy fire soon became too intense for the outnumbered base defense force to resist successfully and the Viet Cong completely overran the base. Aware that his bunker was the only remaining source of resistance, Lieutenant Fitzgerald requested an artillery barrage to be laid down on his own position and ordered his men to evacuate the base toward the river. He gallantly remained in the command bunker in order to provide cover fire for the evacuating personnel. Before Lieutenant Fitzgerald could carry out his own escape, he was fatally shot by the Viet Cong aggressors. By his fearless dedication to duty, courage under fire, and heroic actions in defense of the base, despite overwhelming odds, Lieutenant Fitzgerald served as an inspiration to all persons engaged in the counterinsurgency effort in Vietnam and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and Medals
Action Date: 7-Aug-67
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant
Company: Advisor (Attached)
Regiment: Vietnamese Navy Coastal Group 16
Namesake
USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) is named in honor of Bill.
Further Reading
There is much more on the life and memories of Bill at usna63.org.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
