WILLIAM M. GRAMMAR, 1LT, USMC
William Grammar '65
Lucky Bag
From the 1965 Lucky Bag:
WILLIAM MICHAEL GRAMMAR
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Mike, an "Army Brat," rarely lived in any one place long enough to call it home. He had the dubious honor of attending about thirteen different schools on the way to receiving his high school diploma. This background must have agreed with him as it was always his intention to pursue a career in the Armed Forces. After spending a year in the University of Oklahoma, Mike had no problems with the academics at the Academy. He participated actively in intramural sports and insists that no one could have had more fun in the program than he. After giving his flight instructor a severe nervous condition with some rather original maneuvers during second class summer, he has decided his abilities might be more appreciated in the surface or sub-surface Navy. Whatever he chooses, we wish him the best of luck.
WILLIAM MICHAEL GRAMMAR
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Mike, an "Army Brat," rarely lived in any one place long enough to call it home. He had the dubious honor of attending about thirteen different schools on the way to receiving his high school diploma. This background must have agreed with him as it was always his intention to pursue a career in the Armed Forces. After spending a year in the University of Oklahoma, Mike had no problems with the academics at the Academy. He participated actively in intramural sports and insists that no one could have had more fun in the program than he. After giving his flight instructor a severe nervous condition with some rather original maneuvers during second class summer, he has decided his abilities might be more appreciated in the surface or sub-surface Navy. Whatever he chooses, we wish him the best of luck.
Loss
William was executed by Viet Cong forces on May 20, 1967 following capture earlier that day in the vicinity of Quang Tri, Vietnam. He was an advisor with a South Vietnamese Army unit.
Other Information
From the September-October 1967 issue of Shipmate:
Lt. Grammar was born in Oklahoma City, and graduated from Harding High School where he won a letter in football. He was active in Scouting and church activities. He attended the University of Oklahoma one year before entering the Naval Academy, from where he was graduated in 1965 in the upper twenty-five percent of his class. Following completion of Basic School at Quantico, Va., he reported to Camp Lejune, N.C., where he was executive officer of G Company, 2nd Marine Division, and commanded the sub unit while on a six-month Mediterranean cruise. After attending the Special Warfare School at Fort Bragg, he reported in February to Headquarters Military Assistance Command, Saigon, with duty at Quang Tri as advisor to the South Vietnamese Army.
He is survived by his widow, the former Patricia Sledd of Richmond, Va.; an infant son, Richard Alexander; his parents, Lt. Col. and Mrs. G. R. Grammar …; two brothers, Robert E. Grammar and Richard Patrick Grammar.
He is buried in Oklahoma.
Photographs
From the September-October 1967 issue of Shipmate.
Remembrances
I grew up one house away from his parents. He left an infant son, who is my friend to this day. He was a Naval Academy graduate. God Bless you, Michael. Every time I visit Memorial Park Cemetery in Edmond to pay my respects to my grandparents, parents and son, I stop by your grave to honor you as well, Sir. I know you stand guard on the street of gold. JEFF WILSON, 2/20/15
Silver Star
From Hall of Valor:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant William Michael Grammar (MCSN: 0-91923), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Senior Advisor to the Third Battalion, First Regiment, First Infantry Division, Army of the Republic of Vietnam on 20 May 1967. When his unit was hit hard and infiltrated by an overwhelmingly large enemy force, First Lieutenant Grammar, realizing that they were hopelessly disorganized and ineffective, took immediate action to withdraw and safeguard his team. One member of the team was seriously wounded in the initial attack. In the face of intense enemy fire and almost certain death, First Lieutenant Grammar attempted to carry the wounded man to safety. When this proved impossible, the wounded man asked to be left behind and volunteered to provide covering fire. Fighting his way through the enemy and leading the remaining members of the team, he maneuvered to the edge of a village undetected. As they prepared to leave the enemy position, they encountered an enemy search party. Unhesitatingly and without regard for his own safety, he ran across an open field to draw attention from the other team member, allowing him to escape. As a result he was taken prisoner by the enemy and killed before a relief force arrived. His outstanding courage and selfless efforts in behalf of others served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
Action Date: May 20, 1967
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: First Lieutenant
Company: Advisor
Prisoner of War Medal
From Hall of Valor:
First Lieutenant William Michael Grammar (MCSN: 0-91923), United States Marine Corps, was captured in operations in South Vietnam on 20 May 1967 and was held as a Prisoner of War until he was executed by the enemy later that same day.
Action Date: May 20, 1967 - May 20, 1967
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: First Lieutenant
Division: Prisoner of War (South Vietnam)
Related Articles
Richard Piatt '65 was also in 4th Company.
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