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A Glenolden (PA) soldier who crawled through heavy enemy fire to drag two wounded companions to safety during fighting in the A Shau Valley in Vietnam has been awarded the Silver Star, posthumously. The award was presented to the family of SP4 William F. Baggs Jr. last week in ceremonies at Pennsylvania Military College in Chester (PA) by Captain Robert Arthur and Major Carl Morin. Also accepted by his family at that time were the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and other medals and ribbons. His wife, the former Nancy Wetzel, of 408 Harrison Ave., Glenolden, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William F. Baggs Sr., of 19 N. Wells Ave. Glenolden, accepted the awards. SP4 Baggs, 20, was a 1966 graduate of Interboro High School and worked at the Boeing Vertol Division before entering the service on May, 13, 1968. He was a member of the 101st Airborne Division and fought on Hamburger Hill, before he was killed in action on April 10, 1969. The young machine gunner was cited for gallantry on March 23 when several members of his platoon were injured during an enemy ambush. Despite heavy rocket weapons, grenade and automatic weapons fire, the citation read, SP4 Baggs, twice exposed himself to reach and rescue wounded men.
SP4 Baggs was awarded the Silver Star.
SP4 was awarded the Bronze Star (valor).
SP4 Baggs was awarded the Purple Heart.