WilliamGay

William served as a - 1st Lieutenant - Grade O2 - Army Reserve

He was 25 years old at the time of his death.

William was born on May 21, 1945 in at Walter Reed Army Hospital.

His Father was an Army Major.

His tour of duty began in Vietnam on October 23, 1969.

William served with E Company (Recon), 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry,

25th Infantry Division, under the command of Capt. Michael W. Kasner.

William died on May 30, 1970 in the Country of Cambodia, Northwest of Tay Ninh Province, Republic of South Vietnam.

William's death was the result of an ambush in the Michelin Rubber Plantation in Cambodia. His recon unit was escorting a tank retriever, caring a downed tank, through the plantation. There were four soldiers in a gun jeep in the lead position. They were ambushed at approx. 3:20 pm. by enemy forces using RPG's or (Rocket Propelled Grenades.) William died that day with 2 other Heroes from the 22nd; Sgt. Patrick McDaniel, (E/3/22nd); &

Sgt. Ken Swain Maxwell, (E/3/22nd) A forth soldier, the radio operator, was wounded in the initial attack but was able to return fire until help arrived to beat off the enemy.

As remembered by Capt Michael W. Kasner, commanding officer.

William's religion was Roman Catholic

His body was recovered.

William's name is listed on Panel 10W --- Line 121

of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.

"Rest In Peace William You Are Missed By All Who Knew You"

Below is the Bio that was posted on his Memorial set in the city of Atlanta Ga.

At the Shepherd Spinal Center in his Honor in 1993 by the

ATLANTA VIETNAM VETERANS

BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

1Lt. William Ellis Gay, Jr.

Company E, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, United States Army

Killed in Action: 30 May 1970, Cambodia

The Bronze Star medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Purple Heart were posthumously awarded to 1Lt. William Ellis Gay, Jr., Company E, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, United States Army.

First Lieutenant William Ellis Gay, Jr. was born at Walter Reed Hospital May 21, 1945. His father was a major in the United States Army. His family returned to Atlanta in 1945 and he grew up in the Collier Hills neighborhood. As a child, he would come and play at Villa Clare (named for Lt. Gay's Great Grandmother), which is now Shepherd's Spinal Center at 2020 Peachtree Rd. Lt. Gay attended Christ the King School and completed course work in 1958; attended Marist School and graduated 1963. After graduating from the University of Georgia 1967, Lt. Gay joined the Army and went to basic training at Ft. Benning in Columbus, Georgia. Upon completion, he was accepted into the officer candidate school at Ft. Benning and graduated as a 2nd Lt. Infantry Officer, class no.56, March 1969. After stateside duty, he received orders assigning him to the 25th Infantry Division then stationed in Chu Chi, Vietnam. Lt. Gay arrived in Vietnam in 1969 and became a platoon leader for Company E, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

On May 30, 1970, Lt. Gay, the reconnaissance platoon leader, was in his jeep and charged with providing security for a convoy. At approximately 3:20 P.M. the convoy received enemy rocket propelled grenade fire and Lt. Gay was killed by enemy fire. A memorial service was conducted by his unit in Vietnam and thereafter his remains were shipped home and now lie in West View Cemetery.

Lt. Gay's devotion to duty, and that of his fallen comrades was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army. He bravely gave his life for his country.