HOMETOWN HERO: WILLIAM LESTER WILHELM

WILLIAM LESTER WILHELM
U.S. ARMY (1969-1970)

William Lester Wilhelm was born on September 1, 1948 and graduated from Covington High School in 1966. He entered the U.S. Army on March 26, 1969 and served as a Sergeant in the Vietnam War, beginning on August 25, 1969. Sargent William Lester Wilhelm was killed on September 6, 1970 at the age of 22 in Bien Hoa, South Vietnam. His cause of death was hostile – died of wounds from explosive devices. Two other’s known as Blackhorse Troopers, were also killed in the incident; SP4 Neal Vincent Painter and PVT Joseph Frank Marcantonio.

William Lester Wilhelm died as a result of wounds received while commander of a military vehicle when a mine detonated. He was admitted to a military medical facility and later expired. Wilhelm was a tank commander on an Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicle (ACAV) on resupply mission when vehicle detonated a hostile mine. Admitted to 24th Evacuation Hospital, Long Binh, 10 Aug 1970 at 1030 hrs, placed on Very Serious Injured (VSI) list on 10 Aug 1970 at 1230 hrs. (Individual was eventually transferred to 249th General Hospital, Camp Zama, Japan, where he expired on 6 Sep 1970.)

During his time in the U.S. Army, Wilhelm served in units Headquarters & Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and received unit awards consisting of Valorous Unit Award, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm device. He was also awarded several of the elite military service awards, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

William Lester Wilhelm is honored by The Backhorse Memorial, which is dedicated to the fallen Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. https://memorial.blackhorse.org/wilhelm-william-lester/

WALL OF FACES: https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/56016/WILLIAM-L-WILHELM/

Wilhelm is resting in peace at Highland Cemetery in Covington, Ohio.