KIA Vietnam Purple Heart & Bronze Star – Named

Product Description:  A distinguished KIA Vietnam Purple Heart & Bronze Star – Named awarded to Sergeant First Class William Theodore Andersen Jr., United States Army, presented in cased form with accompanying insignia and documentation, representing the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States.

The group comprises a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal, both officially engraved to William T. Andersen Jr. on the reverse. Each medal is housed in its original WWII-style presentation “coffin” case, accompanied by ribbon bar and lapel pin. The set remains in excellent condition, exhibiting only minor wear consistent with age and careful preservation.  The bronze star case shows a dent to the upper edge of box near the hinge.

Sergeant First Class Andersen served with 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army, deploying to Vietnam on 25 February 1968 as a Unit Supply Sergeant. Born 9 August 1931 in Kern County, California, with Tehachapi recorded as his hometown, Andersen entered service through the Regular Army and held service number 28167802.

On 1 July 1968, during operations in Quang Tin Province, South Vietnam, Sergeant First Class Andersen was killed in action as a result of hostile artillery, rocket, and mortar fire. His service is further recognized with the Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Presidential Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

This grouping stands as a formally attributed memorial ensemble, preserving the record of a soldier’s service, sacrifice, and distinction during the Vietnam War. Links to William T. Andersen Jr Vietnam Memorial Wall of Faces can be found here and Virtual Wall can be seen here.

Historical Description: World War I saw the United States mobilize its military forces on an unprecedented scale. Over 4 million Americans served in uniform during the conflict, contributing to the Allied victory in campaigns across France and Belgium. The U.S. military recognized the sacrifices of its soldiers through a variety of medals and awards, including the Purple Heart, which was retroactively awarded to World War I veterans wounded in action when the decoration was reinstated in 1932. This named example to Robert Feeley serves as a testament to his courage and the sacrifices endured by the Doughboys on the front lines.

The Allied Victory Medal was issued to all U.S. military personnel who served in World War I, with its design emphasizing unity among the Allied forces. The accompanying Pennsylvania Service Medal highlights the significant contributions of state National Guard units and other Pennsylvanian troops in the war effort. State medals like these were issued to recognize regional contributions to the national military, making them highly collectible today.

Additional elements, such as the Private Rank Insignia and U.S. Collar Disc, further illustrate the standard equipment and insignia issued to American enlisted soldiers during the Great War. Together, these artifacts provide a comprehensive picture of Private Feeley’s service and a tangible connection to the era.

This grouping, in excellent condition, offers a remarkable opportunity for collectors to own a cohesive and highly desirable set of WWI-era U.S. military history, centered around the service of a named veteran.

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