William Charles Fitzgerald 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 . Early life and Navy enlisted service . 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 . U . S . Naval Academy studies . Seaman Fitzgerald eventually earned selection for officer training and appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis , Maryland . Fitzgerald excelled in naval education , softball , football , fencing , basketball , and tennis . Service as a commissioned officer . 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 " ( DD - 853 ) , where he rose from " boot ensign " to weapons department head . Vietnam service . Following " Roan " , Lieutenant Fitzgerald reported to Naval Amphibious Base Coronado , California , where he attended counterinsurgency training . Upon completion he was assigned duties as the senior U . S . advisor at Coastal Defense Group Sixteen in Vietnam . This group ' s compound was located adjacent to the village of Co Luy , near the delta of the Tra Khuc River , and about 70 miles southeast of Da Nang . In this position , he advised the Republic of Vietnam Navy on defense measures and on the capture of military supplies and contraband destined for Viet Cong forces . At about 0300 on August 7 , 1967 , Coastal Defense Group Sixteen ' s compound came under vicious 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 . Lieutenant Fitzgerald and three others delayed their retreat as long as possible in order to provide covering fire and to direct fire from surrounding friendly forces . Many calls were made to orbiting gunship aircraft , artillery units , and Fast Patrol Craft to provide defensive fire . The Viet Cong attack , however , 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 , Fitzgerald ordered his last three remaining defenders to retreat while he used arms fire to cover their escape . Fitzgerald was mortally wounded in this action . Awards and legacy . In honor of Lieutenant William C . Fitzgerald ' s loyal and selfless dedication to his people , he was posthumously awarded the U . S . Navy ' s second - 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 . Lieutenant Fitzgerald was survived by his wife Betty Ann , and their children who continued to reside in and around Montpelier , Vermont . Namesake . The United States Navy ship is named in his honor and was sponsored by his wife . References . Sources