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Born on 7 Mar 1941, <em>William Arthur Stacy, Jr</em>., even though his only family military heritage was his fathers USNR commission in WWII, was born with a warriors spirit, coupled with a caring attitude that would lead him to be a wonderful humanitarian.</p>
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Bill was born in Takoma Park, MD, to William and Eleanor Stacy, Sr. His family moved to the midwest at an early age, and Bill grew up in the "Shangri-La" environment of Quivira Lake near Kansas City. It was there that Bill first showed an interest in things military, developed a love of sailing, and met the love of his life—Bev Treu. As a boy, he often could be found swimming or sailing on Lake Quivira. He became a Life Scout by the time he was 13 and showed that he could set high goals and then obtain them. It was not surprising that his next challenge would be to attend Culver Military Academy, where young men were challenged to excel in academics, athletics, philosophy, and religion.</p>
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At Culver, Bill again distinguished himself. He excelled in sports and academics, earning an Honors Military School appointment to West Point.</p>
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At West Point, Bill’s familiarity with military training made him a most valuable roommate during Beast Barracks. Bill had a calming effect on those of us who roomed with him, and he taught us the "tricks of the trade" to gain honors as the best room in the company week after week and win "boodlers" privileges. During Plebe year, Bill found himself assigned to the First Captain’s table of Charlie Otstott. On one occasion, GEN Omar Bradley was sitting at the table as an honored guest. Bill—always the bold one—asked for a fall-out because of the special guest. Charlie's response was "Give me the days." After dinner, GEN Bradley came down to Bill and whispered, "Tell him what you think of him after you are recognized." Bill never did.</p>
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The next four years were spent with Bill demonstrating his academic ability and his immense likeability for all whom he met. He was the fleet captain of the Sailing Club and added his energy and talents to the Ski Club and Debate Council all four years.</p>
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Bill suffered a back injury during intramural wrestling that was serious enough that the Army offered a limited activity commission upon graduation. Bill was not going to accept any part of life in a "limited" manner. He convinced the Air Force to grant him a full Active Duty commission. Upon hearing that, GEN Westmoreland, then USMA Superintendent, hastily arranged for a full Active Duty commission in the Army.</p>
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The day after graduation in 1963, Bill married his childhood sweetheart, Bev Treu, in the West Point Chapel.</p>
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After the honeymoon, it was off to Ft. Knox for the Armor Basic Course and then on to Ft. Benning for Airborne School. Bill’s first assignment was with the 101st Airborne as a platoon leader in the 2-17th Armored Cavalry (Airborne). He quickly became well known and respected as a soldier’s soldier. After two years at Ft. Campbell, it was on to the Special Warfare School at Ft. Bragg and the Defense Language Institute in Monterey.</p>
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Bill was then assigned as the Assistant Battalion Advisor to the 2-10th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, Republic of South Viet Nam. It was in Viet Nam that the humanitarian side of Bill was evidenced.</p>
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He personally directed the efforts to aid a Catholic orphanage with about 50 children run by four nuns. The interesting fact was that most of these children were known to be the children of Viet Cong parents, but that did not deter Bill. He, with the help of his father in Maryland, began a very successful supply effort from the States. The Stacy family solicited donations of food, clothing, and medical supplies and found ingenious ways to get them to the remote orphanage in Mo Cay.</p>
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On 21 Mar 1966, Bill was fatally wounded by enemy rocket fire during an offensive operation in Kien Hoa province. Those who served with him in Viet Nam remember him as "an officer of unlimited potential," "someone who would go out of his way to help others," and "the most respected officer I ever served with." We lost a wonderful husband, son, brother, and friend on that day. West Point added another member to that Long Gray Line that stretches before us. Stacy Hall, a lecture building at Ft. Knox, was named in Bill’s honor in July 1967.</p>
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He was survived by his wife Bev, his parents Will and Eleanor, his brothers Dodd and Art, his sister Suzy, and a host of friends who will remember him forever. Bill is interred in Arlington National Cemetery, overlooking the nation’s capitol. His tombstone reads, "Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it."—<em>St. Luke 17-33.</em></p>
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Bill’s life was lived following his guiding principal of "Duty, Honor, Country." May it be said, "Well done. Be thou at peace."</p>