William Nolde
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| William Benedict Nolde | |
|---|---|
| August 8, 1929 – January 27, 1973 (aged 43) | |
 William Nolde |
|
| Place of birth | Menominee, Michigan |
| Place of death | An Loc, Vietnam |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Legion of Merit Bronze Star Air Medal Purple Heart Vietnam Campaign Medal Vietnam Service Medal |
Colonel William Benedict Nolde (August 8, 1929 – January 27, 1973) was an officer in the United States Army. Born in Menominee, Michigan, Nolde was a professor of military science at Central Michigan University before joining the army. As an officer, he served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, acting as an advisor to the South Vietnamese forces in the latter.
Nolde, having reached the rank of colonel, was killed by shell fire at An Loc eleven hours before the cessation of all hostilities in accordance with the Paris Peace Accords. He was the last official American combat casualty of the war - the 45,914th confirmed death during the conflict.[1]
While other Americans lost their lives after the truce was enacted, these were not recorded as combat casualties. During his time in the armed forces, he had accumulated four medals, including the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit.
Nolde was buried on February 5, 1973 in Section 3 of Arlington National Cemetery (his widow Joyce was buried beside him in 2005). As the last official combat casualty, his funeral was attended by 'considerably more brass than the funeral of a field-grade officer would normally command' including General Alexander Haig.[2]
At the Central Michigan University the William B. Nolde Scholarship was established in memory of the Colonel by students, family and friends. The William B. Nolde Lecture Series takes place every two years and invites various politicians, professors and military leaders to lecture on the importance of leadership.
Notable guest speakers have included Lt. Col. Gary Brito, who participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom I and Operation Iraqi Freedom III; and Col. R. John Cully Jr., a retired Vietnam Helicopter Pilot, special forces member, previous commander of the Special Intelligence Squadron from 1988-1997 and graduate of Central Michigan University.[3]
