William Charles Fitzgerald Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth and Family

At about 0300 on August 7, 1967, Coastal Defense Group Sixteen’s compound came under heavy 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.

Seaman Fitzgerald eventually earned selection for officer training by appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland with the Class of 1963.

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.

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.

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.