THE WALL OF FACES

Captain William Meadon Van Antwerp Jr., Served with Company B, 3rd Amphibious Tractor Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

William Meadon Van Antwerp , Jr.
Date of birth: February 27, 1937
Date of death: September 16, 1967
Place of Birth: New York, Albany
Home of record: Albany New York
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain William Meadon Van Antwerp, Jr. (MCSN: 0-75400), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving Commanding Officer, Company B, Third Amphibian Tractor Battalion, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 September 1967. Captain Van Antwerp was commanding a column of 23 amphibious tractors moving from its base camp to a rendezvous point at the commencement of Operation BALLISTIC CHARGE. During the move, the lead tractor detonated an enemy land mine and was immediately engulfed in flames. Without hesitation, Captain Van Antwerp left the safety of his amphibious tractor to assist in the removal of the wounded personnel, to make certain that the men were being given first aid treatment, and that a medical evacuation had been assured. Realizing that the success of the operation depended on the availability of the amphibious tractors to support infantry, he quickly assessed the situation and concluded that an alternate route must be selected to by-pass the burning amphibious tractor. Requesting volunteers to assist in reconnoitering the area, and act as security against snipers, he found and then directed a safe route around the immobilized amphibian tractor. Within minutes after the column of vehicles and men were clear of further immediate danger, another land mine was detonated and the resulting explosion spread fragments throughout the area, fatally wounding Captain Van Antwerp. His implacable devotion to duty, inspiring bravery and disregard for his own safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Action Date: September 16, 1967

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Captain

Company: Company B

Battalion: 3d Amphibian Tractor Battalion

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

Semper Fi, Captain.

Dear Captain William M Van Antwerp Jr, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter