William Dean Laraway

The database page for William Dean Laraway

17 Apr 2002 DADDY, I have really missed out on a lot! I have three beautiful daughters now and you are about to be a greatgrandpa! I LOVE YOU ALWAYS. From his daughter, Penny Laraway Hamilton 07 Mar 2004 I miss you. They say it gets easier but they lied - it doesn't. You have two beautiful great-grandsons now ... they were born on the same day a year apart! I know you'd be proud. I love you, Dad. From his daughter, Penny littlehen61@hotmail.com The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the NAVY CROSS posthumously to WILLIAM D. LARAWAY Lance Corporal United States Marine Corps for service as set forth in the following CITATION: For extraordinary heroism as a rifleman while serving with Combined Action Company H, Sub Unit Number 4 of Headquarters Battalion, Third Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam on the night of 11 April 1967. Lance Corporal Laraway was participating on a combined U. S. Marine and Republic of Vietnam Popular Forces patrol in Cau Hai Hamlet, Phu Loc District, when the main body of the patrol became separated from the point which included the patrol leader. As the point came under intense enemy fire, Lance Corporal Laraway quickly moved the main body to assist them. When they were taken under heavy fire at close range by an unknown number of Viet Cong from an ambush position, he quickly placed his M-60 machine gun in action and took the enemy under fire to cover the deployment of the other members of the patrol. The Medical Corpsman fell severely wounded in the initial burst of enemy fire. Disregarding the intense enemy fire, Lance Corporal Laraway unhesitatingly ran from his relatively sheltered position and carried the wounded Corpsman to a less exposed position. He returned to his machine gun and again delivered heavy fire on the enemy, only to have a deadly barrage of hand grenades hurled at his position by the Viet Cong. He again raced to the aid of the wounded Corpsman and shielded him from the grenades with his own body. He seized two of the incoming grenades and hurled them back at the enemy and kicked others from their position before they detonated. Oblivious of the continuing enemy fire and grenades, he again moved to his machine gun in a position between the wounded and the enemy. While attempting to place his machine gun in action he fell fatally wounded from an exploding enemy grenade. By his outstanding courage, valiant devotion to duty and selfless efforts in behalf of his wounded comrade, Lance Corporal Laraway upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

06 Mar 2006 Billy Dean...You are my big brother and how I miss you. You were there durring the hardest times in El Paso and then you were gone. I think of you so often. You would be so proud of your daughter Penny. She has grown into a beautiful mother and grandmother. But I am sure you know this for you are with her. Love you, Billy, and see you soon...Your Sister Donna Donna Laraway nodust@dixieconnect.com

22 Jun 2007 I knew Bill in the early 60's. After reading how he died, I reflected back, he was kind and caring, also very much a gentleman. I can believe he gave his life to save someone else. I've read notes from his daughter and sister, maybe someday you will have a family reunion. God Bless You! From a friend. carolfletcher@regalind.com

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 17 Apr 2002
Last updated 08/10/2009