WILLETT, LOUIS E.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.

Place: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam

Date: 15 February 1967.

Entered service at: Brooklyn, N.Y.

Born: 19 June 1945, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Pfc. Willett distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company C, during combat operations. His squad was conducting a security sweep when it made contact with a large enemy force. The squad was immediately engaged with a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and pinned to the ground. Despite the deadly fusillade, Pfc. Willett rose to his feet firing rapid bursts from his weapon and moved to a position from which he placed highly effective fire on the enemy. His action allowed the remainder of his squad to begin to withdraw from the superior enemy force toward the company perimeter. Pfc. Willett covered the squad's withdrawal, but his position drew heavy enemy machinegun fire, and he received multiple wounds enabling the enemy again to pin down the remainder of the squad. Pfc. Willett struggled to an upright position, and, disregarding his painful wounds, he again engaged the enemy with his rifle to allow his squad to continue its movement and to evacuate several of his comrades who were by now wounded. Moving from position to position, he engaged the enemy at close range until he was mortally wounded. By his unselfish acts of bravery, Pfc. Willett insured the withdrawal of his comrades to the company position, saving their lives at the cost of his life. Pfc. Willett's valorous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: WILLETT
First name: LOUIS EDWARD
Home of Record (official): RICHMOND HILL
State (official): NY
Date of Birth: Tuesday, June 19, 1945
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Single

--- Military ---

Branch: Army
Rank: PFC
Serial Number: 51580250
Component: Selective Service
Pay grade: E3
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11B10

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Thursday, July 21, 1966
Date of Casualty: Wednesday, February 15, 1967
Age at time of loss: 21
Casualty type: (A3) Hostile, died while missing
Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Kontum
The Wall: Panel 15E - Row 037

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