WILLIAM PENN WALL III
(U.S. Army Reserve)
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Hometown: Tekoa, WA
Branch: Field Artillery
Born: 02 January 1946
Death: 01 April 1970
Location: Thua Thien, Vietnam
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall: Panel 12W–Line 77
In the Army, when a family loses a member in war, we refer to them as a “Gold Star Family.” Each of our Eastern Washington University (EWU) Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) graduates that were killed in action we consider them a “Gold Star Alumni” because they are part of our ROTC family.
William Wall from Tekoa, Washington who went by the nickname of “Bink”, was an All-American linebacker who helped lead the Eastern football team to the 1967 national championship game. He graduated in 1968 and commissioned into the Field Artillery branch. Less than two years later while serving in Vietnam, “Bink” was killed on April 1, 1970. “Bink” left behind his wife Linda and his two daughters. He was 24 years old.
The Department of Military Science offers condolences to the family of Second Lieutenant William Wall and commemorates his service for making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great nation.
Note: If any friends or family have any memories they would like to share about William Wall, please leave a note in the comments section because we would love to learn more about him.
“Bink,” was his nickname. He was a outstanding athlete….a defensive player that hit hard. He would also tell you what he expected you to do on the football field! He was a leader and a tough soldier who knew what to do on and off the field. RIP Warrior!