Louis Edward Willett
Private First Class, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Private First Class Louis Edward Willett (19 June 1945 - 15 February 1967) was a soldier in the U.S. Army who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War.

Louis Edward Willett was born 19 June 1945 in Brooklyn, NY; he also entered the service from Brooklyn.

Medal of Honor

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division.

Place and date: Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, 15 February 1967.

Entered service at: Brooklyn, NY. Born: 19 June 1945, Brooklyn, NY.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Willett distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company C, during combat operations. His squad was conducting a security sweep when it made contact with a large enemy force. The squad was immediately engaged with a heavy volume of automatic weapons fire and pinned to the ground. Despite the deadly fusillade, Pfc. Willett rose to his feet firing rapid bursts from his weapon and moved to a position from which he placed highly effective fire on the enemy. His action allowed the remainder of his squad to begin to withdraw from the superior enemy force toward the company perimeter. Pfc. Willett covered the squad's withdrawal, but his position drew heavy enemy machinegun fire, and he received multiple wounds enabling the enemy again to pin down the remainder of the squad. Pfc. Willett struggled to an upright position, and, disregarding his painful wounds, he again engaged the enemy with his rifle to allow his squad to continue its movement and to evacuate several of his comrades who were by now wounded. Moving from position to position, he engaged the enemy at close range until he was mortally wounded. By his unselfish acts of bravery, Pfc. Willett insured the withdrawal of his comrades to the company position, saving their lives at the cost of his life. Pfc. Willett's valorous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The name Louis Edward Willett is inscribed on Panel 15E - Line 37.

Death and Burial

Private First Class Louis Edward Willett was killed in action on 15 February 1967. He is buried at Saint John Cemetery in Middle Village, Queens County, NY.