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“When I think of Bill I vision a man so tall he could reach out to the stars."</div>
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This is the way young Christopher Reichert tried to describe his feelings toward his brother, William Francis Reichert. That young Chris has since met with death in an incident just as tragic as that which befell his brother in no way changes the sincerity or the accuracy with which this seemingly simple statement represented the way Chris and many others had thought of Bill Reichert.</div>
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Bill, or "Ace" as he was known to his friends, was a big guy with wavy blond hair and a steady, hazel-eyed gaze that never wavered. Friendly, outgoing, he never hesitated to go out of his way to help a friend who needed a hand. Always at the center of any party, always able to drink the rest of us under the tabic if he had a mind to, Bill was apt to assume the leadership at casual gatherings with new acquaintances and old friends. He was able to direct conversation and come out on top in any informal debate that arose.</div>
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Bill attended Shaw Avenue School, Memorial Junior High School, and Central High School, all in his home town, Valley Stream, New York. He was active in football in both Memorial and Central and was involved as a member of Blessed Sacrament Church. Bill was well known and well liked in school and was envied for the ease with which he attained his outstanding grades, which were only a part of what he had to offer the United States Military Academy when he received his appointment. He entered the Academy in July 1964, graduated four years later with a high class standing and accepted his commission as a second lieutenant in Armor; he served with distinction in Germany, and in July 1970, after special training, reported to the Republic of Vietnam as a Captain.</div>
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Throughout his years, Bill had developed a strong feeling of right and wrong, a strong devotion to principles that evolved within him as he was growing up, and remained with him during his time at West Point and after. Bill reported for combat duty in Vietnam feeling that he had something to contribute in a conflict that others may have seen in a different perspective. He had no self-indulgent ideas of personal glory, but a feeling that as one strong link in a strong chain, by his presence and actions, he might help to bring to an end a conflict in which many of his fellow young Americans had sacrificed their lives.</div>
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He died acting on principles, doing what had to be done, in a tragic and unfortunate incident. The way he died matters little, but the import of his motivations, actions and presence while he had life will live with many people for many years.</div>
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Captain William Francis Reichert received the Bronze Star Medal (posthumously) on 8 February 1971 for meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. This was presented to his youngest brother Christopher and was indeed one of the proudest moments in his short life.</div>
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To quote in part from the citation: “For meritorious service in connection with ground operations, the energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States Mission to the Republic of Vietnam to assist that country in ridding itself of the communist threat to its freedom. His initiative, zeal, sound judgment and devotion to duty have been in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflect great credit on himself, his unit and the Military Service.”</div>
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Bill was also awarded the “Vietnam Medal of Honor.” The words of the citation, “His untiring efforts and professional ability” would have brought a slim smile to his face. I think Bill himself said it very well a long time ago when on his copy of the Graduation Book he had inscribed “Ace, you did it.”</div>
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“...be thou faithful unto death, and</div>
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I will give thee a crown of life.”</div>
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(Revelation 2:10)</div>
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<em>—A Friend</em></div>
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