William "Bill" C. Fitzgerald (28 January 1938 - 7 August 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 retir...
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William "Bill" C. Fitzgerald (28 January 1938 - 7 August 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, Bill followed in his father's footsteps and enlisted in the United States Navy, As an enlisted sailor, Fitzgerald served in USS Samuel B. Roberts (DD-823), USS Hugh Purvis (DD-709), and USS Gearing (DD-710). 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...
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