Namesake:
Lieutenant William Charles Fitzgerald
USS FITZGERALD
is named in honor of Lieutenant William Charles Fitzgerald, USN, who
was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism on 7
August 1967 in Vietnam. Bill Fitzgerald was born 28 January 1938 in
Montpelier, Vermont, second child and first son of Louis and Mildred
Mary Fitzgerald. His father was a career Navy man who retired as a
Chief Petty Officer. Bill grew up in the local area and graduated from
Montpelier High School in June 1956. Following graduation, Bill
followed in his fathers footsteps and enlisted in the United States
Navy. As an enlisted man Bill served in USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (DD 823),
USS HUGH PURVIS (DD 709), and USS GEARING (DD 710). Also, Bill served
with utility Squadron SIX, Naval Air Station Norfolk, VA while working
on the Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter (DASH) program. Seaman William
Fitzgerald eventually earned selection to officer training and an
appointment to the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.
During Midshipman Fitzgerald's days at Annapolis he became well known
as an outstanding leader and athlete. Bill Fitzgerald excelled in Naval
education, softball, football, fencing, basketball and tennis.
Additionally, Bill developed a great sense of camaraderie with his
peers, and from his experience as an enlisted man he had an intuitive
sense for being a great naval officer. Midshipman Fitzgerald earned his
commission in the U.S. Navy on 5 June 1963. After graduation from
Annapolis, Ensign Fitzgerald reported to USS Charles H. Roan (DD 853)
where he rose from the "Boot Ensign" to Weapons Department Head, a
position of great responsibility. Following Roan Lieutenant Fitzgerald
reported to Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, CA where he attended
counterinsurgency training. Upon completion he reported to Vietnam
where he assumed duties as the senior U.S. advisor to the South
Vietnamese Navy's Coastal Defense Group Sixteen. This group's compound
was located adjacent to the village of Co Luy near the delta of the Tra
Khuc River about 70 miles southeast of Danang. In this position he
advised the South Vietnamese Navy in the operations which defended the
South against enemy aggression and the capture of military supplies and
contraband destined for Viet Cong forces.
At about 0300 on 7 August 1967 Coastal Group Sixteen's compound came
under vicious attack by two Viet Cong battalions. The assault began
with an intense mortar barrage followed rapidly by the advancement of
troops. LT Fitzgerald, the senior American commander in the compound,
immediately ordered a retreat of the civilians within the compound.
Because of the compound's location adjacent to a river and the
aggressor's position, the only escape route was via water in small
boats. LT Fitzgerald, LTJG Anthony C. Williams, Chief Engineman Harold
H. Guinn, and Boatswain Mate First Class Leo E. Pearman delayed their
retreat in order to provide covering fire and to to direct fire from
surrounding friendly forces. Many calls were made to orbiting gunship
aircraft, artillery units, and "Swift" type fast river patrol boats to
provide defensive fire.
The attack was swift and well coordinated. It soon became apparent that
the South Vietnamese forces were decimated and that the American bunker
was the sole remaining source of resistance. As the situation
deteriorated, LT Fitzgerald ordered his last three remaining defenders
to retreat while he used small arms fire to cover their escape. LT
Fitzgerald was mortally wounded before he was able to affect his own
escape.
In honor of LT William C. Fitzgerald's loyal and selfless dedication to
his people he was posthumously awarded the U.S. Navy's highest
decoration for valor, the Navy Cross. Additionally, he was awarded the
Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal,
and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign ribbon bar.
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Ship's Crest:
 Supporters:
The sword and cutlass crossed
behind the shield depict Lieutenant Fitzgerald's personal experiences
as both an officer and enlisted sailor, as well as the professional
excellence and teamwork in the United States Navy. The dolphins
flanking the shield signify maritime dominance and allude to USS
FITZGERALD's role in preserving America's command of the seas.
The Shield: The Fitzgerald family
coat of arms (a white shield
with a red saltire) provides the foundation for the coat of arms for
USS FITZGERALD. The shield signifies defense, while the saltire
connotes strength and its red color represents valor and action. This
traditional design has been modified by the addition of a blue cross
paty interlaced with a gold annulet and four shamrocks. The cross
commemorates the Navy Cross posthumously awarded to Lieutenant William
Charles Fitzgerald for extraordinary heroism in the Vietnam battle that
took his life. The annulet symbolizes the continuity of everlasting
hope, fidelity and unity. The four shamrocks represent Lieutenant
Fitzgerald's Irish family and heritage.
The Crest: The trident, a
traditional
symbol of maritime prowess, represents both Lieutenant Fitzgerald's
graduation from the U. S. Naval Academy and USS FITZGERALD's war
fighting capabilities. Each tine of the trident depicts separate
warfare areas -- air, surface and sub-surface -- in which FITZGERALD
possesses unmatched strengths. Lions, the traditional symbol for
strength and courage on land, support each side of the trident. They
commemorate the circumstances under which Lieutenant Fitzgerald gave
his life and to signify the eternal vigilance and teamwork necessary to
project America's maritime power ashore.
Motto: The scroll, in our national
colors of red, white,
and blue and emblazoned with the motto "PROTECT YOUR PEOPLE," bears
testimony to the ideals and actions exemplified throughout the life of
William Charles Fitzgerald. This motto also links the Fitzgerald's
ancient family history -- their Gallic war cry translates as "Defend
the castle forever" -- with the gallantry, dedication and extraordinary
heroism of Lieutenant Fitzgerald and the honored traditions of the
United States Navy.
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