VFW backs Medal of Honor for Vietnam veteran William Collier

VFW Backs Vietnam Veteran to Receive MoH
Military.com
by Bryant Jordan
Jul 24, 2013

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars national membership on Monday approved a resolution supporting congressional action to award the Medal of Honor to a retired Army officer for heroic actions in Vietnam 41 years ago.

Then-Maj. William Collier was one of just two Americans and 120 South Vietnamese troops at the Duc District Headquarters in Quang Ngai Province when it was attacked Sept. 16, 1972, by up to 1,000 North Vietnam Army soldiers.

The battle -- which two eyewitnesses called “Maj. Collier’s Alamo” -- lasted 54 hours and left only Collier and 21 ARVN soldiers alive. Staff Sgt. Carroll Jackson, the only other American at the headquarters, was killed in the fighting.

Collier, who retired as a colonel, was awarded the Silver Star for his leadership and bravery, though there has long been a belief his actions were worthy of the nation’s highest honor, said Joe Davis, spokesman for the VFW.

The VFW’s National Security and Foreign Affairs Committee on Sunday easily passed the resolution that was approved on Monday by members gathered this week in Louisville for the organization’s annual convention.
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