William Nolde facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Colonel William Benedict Nolde
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William Nolde
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| Born | August 8, 1929 Menominee, Michigan, US |
| Died | January 27, 1973 (aged 43) An Lộc, Vietnam |
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| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Korean War Vietnam War † |
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Colonel William Benedict Nolde (born August 8, 1929 – died January 27, 1973) was a brave officer in the United States Army. He was born in Menominee, Michigan. Before joining the army, he taught military science at Central Michigan University. Colonel Nolde is known for a very important reason: he was the last official American soldier to die in combat during the Vietnam War. He was the 45,914th confirmed death. He died just eleven hours before the fighting officially stopped, as agreed in the Paris Peace Accords.
Contents
Colonel Nolde's Military Journey
Colonel Nolde first joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After that war ended, he decided to stay in the Army. He trained to become an officer. Later, he served his first tour in South Vietnam in 1965.
Returning to Vietnam
In June 1972, after serving in Italy, Colonel Nolde was asked to return to South Vietnam. He became a military adviser to the South Vietnamese Army. His job was to help and guide them. On January 27, 1973, something tragic happened. Just eleven hours before a ceasefire was supposed to begin, Colonel Nolde was killed. He died from artillery fire from the North Vietnamese army near a place called An Lộc.
After the Ceasefire
Even though other Americans died after the truce, Colonel Nolde's death was the last one officially recorded as a combat casualty. During his time in the military, he earned four medals. These included the Bronze Star Medal and the Legion of Merit. His bravery and service were remembered. In 1997, he was honored by being one of the first people inducted into the Central Michigan University Reserve Officer's Training Corps Hall of Fame. In 2006, he was also inducted into the Fort Sill Artillery Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame.
William B. Nolde Lecture Series
The William B. Nolde Lecture Series was created to help people understand the role of the United States Armed Forces. It also shows how military science connects with other subjects taught at the university. These lectures encourage new ideas for future leaders, both in the military and at Central Michigan University. The university's Military Science Department sponsors this program.
Nolde Scholarship
At Central Michigan University, a special scholarship was created in memory of Colonel William B. Nolde. This scholarship helps students and was started by his family and friends.
Colonel Nolde's Burial
Colonel Nolde was buried on February 5, 1973, at Arlington National Cemetery. This is a very important cemetery where many American heroes are laid to rest. His wife, Joyce, was buried next to him in 2005. Because he was the last official combat casualty, his funeral was shown on television. Many important people attended, including General Alexander Haig and President Richard Nixon.
Awards and Decorations
Legion of Merit
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Air Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
