THE WALL OF FACES

Bill,
Today you would have turned 75 so I just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you on your birthday and its one day closer to being with you again! I love you so much,Bill and I live my life hoping you will be proud of me!

Love always and forever,
John

Hola William. I see you're remembered as Billy. Back then I was known as Willy. Still remember the day we lost you and the sacrifice you made for us that day. It could have been Ollie or me. Alway in our hearts. My family honors your memory and sacrifice. Till we meet again.

Bill,
Just came on here to leave a note to tell you how much I miss you and that for 54 years my heart has been broken and my life has been dedicated to you. Your courage and love for all of us has been an example and guide for us down here. The Lord brought us your pal Ollie who was with you in Vietnam...after 50 years he was able to track me down in Arizona and we spoke of your final day on earth when you took his spot going out on that mission and you gave your life for your friends. Jesus said there is no greater gift than that!
Now today a family from the past (The Kelly's) post here remembering you!I went to Power Memorial with Paul and you and Jay were drafted at the same time and went to Vietnam. I can remember like it was yesterday when Mrs. Kelly called Mom and told her how devastated Jay was she he heard you were killed. I remember especially when she told Mom that he wished he were there with you and could do something for you. Everyone loved you Bill ... you were heaven sent...until we meet again!

Pray for us!

Love you so.
John

My name is Tom Kelly and my family lived on 3rd Ave. Between 71st & 72nd Sts. My oldest brothers Jay, Peter and Timmy were all the same age as Billy and they all knew each other. My brothers were all drafted the same time as Billy with my oldest brother Jay going to Vietnam where he was awarded a Purple Heart and bronze star amongst other medals. We were fortunate because Jay came back but I always remember my family talking about Billy not making it back. I was very young at that time , I was born in May of '64, but it still sticks with me and today I attended a Vietnam War Memorial dedication in Passaic County New Jersey and made sure I stopped and paid my respects. They will be posting the pictures I took soon. Hopefully it helps knowing that someone you don't know was thinking of Billy today. God Bless

In the early 1970s I was working in a bank at 217 Broadway. Sometimes I would cross City Hall Park and catch the M15 First Avenue Bus at its terminus, Park Row. One day I recognized a fellow passenger, Billy as someone from the Yorkville neighborhood. Having never previously spoken, we formally introduced each other. Pleasant and interesting conversation made the stop-and-go 6 mile commute far less tedious. Every so often, we'd wind up by chance on the same bus Each time we got to know one another a little better.

I don't know which came first. Did I quit the bank or did Billy go into the Service? In any case, after some time the news of his death in Vietnam was circulating the neighborhood. It reached me too late to pay my respects at his wake.

In the 50 odd years since his death, I occasionally found myself in Washington DC. Each trip included a visit to the Vietnam Memorial. Always observing a moment of silence by Billy's name on that wall, I'd also reflect on the colossally tragic loss of this fine young man. Rest in peace, Billy.