CGA to host 2017 Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony

Media Advisory: CGA to host 2017 Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony, Nov. 9, 2017

WHAT: The U.S. Coast Guard Academy will host the 13th annual Hall of Heroes Wall of Gallantry Induction Ceremony this week. The Hall of Heroes was established in April 2005 to honor Academy graduates who performed heroic service to the Coast Guard and the nation. Three of this year’s inductees (Austin, Hayes and Williams) will be recognized for their meritorious conduct during the Vietnam War.

WHO: 2017 Wall of Gallantry Inductees: Vice Adm. Thomas R. Sargent ’38, Capt. John M. Austin ’45, Adm. John B. Hayes ’46 and

Vice Adm. Kent H. Williams ’65 (see attached fact sheet with more information on Williams, the only living inductee this year.)

WHEN: 4:15 – 5:00 p.m., Thursday, November 9, 2017

WHERE: Leamy Hall Auditorium

Editor’s Note: Any media interested in attending this event should RSVP to Public Affairs Office at 860.444.8270 by COB Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017.

Also of note, during halftime ceremonies at this weekend’s Secretaries Cup football game, Adm. Paul Zukunft, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, will be presenting 30 CGA Alumni/Vietnam Veterans with a lapel pin commemorating their service.

For more information on the U.S. Coast Guard’s role during the Vietnam War: http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/assets/1/7/U.S._Coast_Guard_in_the_Vietnam_War.pdf

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2017 Hall of Heroes Fact Sheet

Vice Adm. Kent H. Williams

Today, many remember the Vietnam War from black and white news footage of battles fought in jungles and rice paddies. Not many are aware the conflict also raged along the country’s 1,200-miles of coastline. Even fewer know that the U.S. Coast Guard played a significant role during the war, supporting ground units, destroying enemy supply ships, and rescuing American and allied forces. Some 8,000 Coast Guardsmen were assigned to duty there, including Kent Williams from Forty Fort, Penn., a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy’s Class of 1965. Williams commanded three different patrol boats (Point Welcome WPB 82329, Point Ellis WPB 82330, and Point Young WPB 82303) while in theater. He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V” device, and was cited for outstanding leadership and courage under fire. From the citation: On the night of February 23, 1969, the Point Young received an urgent call from a unit that was surrounded by more than one hundred North Vietnamese Army troops and in danger of being overrun. The Point Young provided immediate gunfire support and, despite receiving hostile rocket fire, maintained her position and continued firing through the night. Through accurate coordination with the shore based forces, Williams and his crew succeeded in turning back the enemy attack.

From the 1965 Tide Rips yearbook. Williams, from Forty Fort, Penn., majored in Engineering and played softball and basketball at the Academy.

(U.S. Coast Guard Academy photo.)

Williams commanded three different patrol boats (Point Welcome WPB 82329, Point Ellis WPB 82330, and above Point Young WPB 82303) while in theater.

Vice Adm. Williams later in his career as a three-star admiral. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo.)