Namesake:
Charles Fitzgerald
U.S. Navy - 28 January 1938 - 07 August 1967
USS FITZGERALD is named in honor of Lieutenant William
Charles Fitzgerald, USN, who was posthumously awarded the Navy
Cross for extraordinary heroism on 7 August 1967 in Vietnam.
Bill Fitzgerald was born 28 January 1938 in Montpelier, Vermont,
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. Bill grew up in the local area and graduated from
Montpelier High School in June 1956. Following graduation, Bill
followed in his fathers footsteps and enlisted in the United
States Navy. As an enlisted man Bill served in USS SAMUEL B.
ROBERTS (DD 823), USS HUGH PURVIS (DD 709), and USS GEARING (DD
710). Also, Bill served with utility Squadron SIX, Naval Air
Station Norfolk, VA while working on the Drone Anti-Submarine
Helicopter (DASH) program. Seaman William Fitzgerald eventually
earned selection to officer training and an appointment to the
United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.
During Midshipman Fitzgerald's days at Annapolis he became
well known as an outstanding leader and athlete. Bill Fitzgerald
excelled in Naval education, softball, football, fencing,
basketball and tennis. Additionally, Bill developed a great
sense of camaraderie with his peers, and from his experience as
an enlisted man he had an intuitive sense for being a great
naval officer. Midshipman Fitzgerald earned his commission in
the U.S. Navy on 5 June 1963. After graduation from Annapolis,
Ensign Fitzgerald reported to USS Charles H. Roan (DD 853) where
he rose from the "Boot Ensign" to Weapons Department
Head, a position of great responsibility. Following Roan
Lieutenant Fitzgerald reported to Naval Amphibious Base
Coronado, CA where he attended counterinsurgency training. Upon
completion he reported to Vietnam where he assumed duties as the
senior U.S. advisor to the South Vietnamese Navy's Coastal
Defense Group Sixteen. This group's compound was located
adjacent to the village of Co Luy near the delta of the Tra Khuc
River about 70 miles southeast of Danang. In this position he
advised the South Vietnamese Navy in the operations which
defended the South against enemy aggression and the capture of
military supplies and contraband destined for Viet Cong forces.
At about 0300 on 7 August 1967 Coastal Group Sixteen's
compound came under vicious attack by two Viet Cong battalions.
The assault began with an intense mortar barrage followed
rapidly by the advancement of troops. LT Fitzgerald, the senior
American commander in the compound, immediately ordered a
retreat of the civilians within the compound. Because of the
compound's location adjacent to a river and the aggressor's
position, the only escape route was via water in small boats. LT
Fitzgerald, LTJG Anthony C. Williams, Chief Engineman Harold H.
Guinn, and Boatswain Mate First Class Leo E. Pearman delayed
their retreat in order to provide covering fire and to to direct
fire from surrounding friendly forces. Many calls were made to
orbiting gunship aircraft, artillery units, and "Swift"
type fast river patrol boats to provide defensive fire.
The attack was swift and well coordinated. It soon became
apparent that the South Vietnamese forces were decimated and
that the American bunker was the sole remaining source of
resistance. As the situation deteriorated, LT Fitzgerald ordered
his last three remaining defenders to retreat while he used
small arms fire to cover their escape. LT Fitzgerald was
mortally wounded before he was able to affect his own escape.
In honor of LT William C. Fitzgerald's loyal and selfless
dedication to his people he was posthumously awarded the U.S.
Navy's highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross.
Additionally, he was awarded the Purple Heart, National Defense
Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of
Vietnam Campaign ribbon bar.
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