William F Baggs, Jr

The database page for William F Baggs, Jr

13 Oct 2002 The following article is taken from The Philadelphia Inquirer published on August 13, 1969: A Glenolden (PA) soldier who crawled through heavy enemy fire to drag two wounded companions to safety during fighting in the A Shau Valley in Vietnam has been awarded the Silver Star, posthumously. The award was presented to the family of SP4 William F. Baggs Jr. last week in ceremonies at Pennsylvania Military College in Chester (PA) by Captain Robert Arthur and Major Carl Morin. Also accepted by his family at that time were the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and other medals and ribbons. His wife, the former Nancy Wetzel, of 408 Harrison Ave., Glenolden, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William F. Baggs Sr., of 19 N. Wells Ave. Glenolden, accepted the awards. SP4 Baggs, 20, was a 1966 graduate of Interboro High School and worked at the Boeing Vertol Division before entering the service on May, 13, 1968. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division and fought on Hamburger Hill, before he was killed in action on April 10, 1969. The young machine gunner was cited for gallantry on March 23 when several members of his platoon were injured during an enemy ambush. Despite heavy rocket weapons, grenade and automatic weapons fire, the citation read, SP4 Baggs, twice exposed himself to reach and rescue wounded men. From a native Philadelphian and Marine, Jim McIlhenney christianamacks@comcast.net

19 Jun 2004 Billy Boy, I will always remember you when you were a 15 year old. You threw the hardest and sometimes the wildest fastball for someone your age I have ever seen. I will always cherish the memory I have of us camping in your back yard. I will never forget the paint party at my house, on Mohawk Avenue - it seemed like half of the Senior Interboro class was there (thanks to your popularity). It does not suprise me to learn of your heroics, because you were always helpful to others. Billy, I love you and miss you. Always when I think of growing up in Norwood I think of you. It brings tears to my eyes, not too many tears because Billy I KNOW you are in Heaven. God Bless You, Billy Boy From your friend, Jerry Watts 423 E Glenview Dr, West Grove, Pa 19390 jerrypacemaker@comcast.net

19 Sep 2004 Bill, I've never forgotten about my friend, never will. Love you. Remember, tears under my pillow. From Tony "New York" Acconcia acconciae@aol.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall C Company, 2/501st Infantry, lost four men on 10 April 1969: SGT Joseph F. Spinnicchia, St Louis, MO SP4 William F. Baggs, Glenolden, PA SP4 Thomas G. Manderfeld, Mankato, MN CPL Oliver E. Reynolds, Tulia, TX

The point-of-contact for this memorial is a Pennsylvania Vietnam Veteran, Jim McIlhenney christianamacks@comcast.net  13 Oct 2002

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 09/23/2004