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 Fitzgerald's service, he was posthumously awarded the U. S. Navy's second-highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross. Additionally, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign. 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 (DDG-62) is named in his honor and was sponsored by his wife. See also William Fitzgerald at USNA Memorial Hall References Sources 1938 births 1967 deaths Recipients of the Navy Cross (United States) United States Naval Academy alumni United States Navy officers American military personnel killed in the Vietnam War People from Montpelier, Vermont Military personnel from Vermont United States Navy personnel of the Vietnam War