William F. Harrell
Memorial
Scholarship

Specialist Harrell was serving as a forward observer with Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry when the company came under intense small arms and automatic weapons fire. The citation for the Silver Star read, in part, “With complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Harrell exposed himself to fire as he moved to a position to call in and adjust artillery on the insurgents. As he attempted to observe the damage inflicted by the projectiles, he was mortally wounded by the enemy’s small arms fire. His valorous actions were responsible for the successful thwarting of the hostile attack.”

Specialist Harrell received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Vietnam from May to December of 1968. Prior to his death, Specialist Harrell received the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar, and the Marksman Badge with Automatic Rifle Bar.