William L. Hashagen was born on November 11, 1949, in Brooklyn, NY. His home of record is Blairstown, NJ.
He served in the US Army and attained the rank of Corporal (CPL). He was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Hashagen was killed in action on March 5, 1971, in Long Khanh Province, Republic of South Vietnam. He was on combat operations when his unit encountered an enemy force while searching a bunker complex. He died at the 24th Evacuation Hospital in Long Binh.
He is buried in Stillwater Cemetery in Stillwater, NJ. William was survived by his wife, Patricia, and one son, William Jr.
Hashagen earned numerous awards and decorations including the Silver Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam, the Military Merit Medal and Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Good Conduct Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
His Silver Star citation reads:
For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the republic of Vietnam: Private First Class Hashagen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 March 1971 while serving as a rifleman with Company C, First Battalion, 27th Infantry, Second Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date an element of Company C was on a reconnaissance operation when they suddenly came in contact with an enemy force of unknown size. In the initial exchange of fire, several friendly casualties were sustained, including Private Hashagen, who was a member of the lead element. Although painfully wounded, Private Hashagen immediately placed devastating suppressive fire on the enemy positions. As reinforcements began to arrive, Private Hashagen unselfishly remained in his exposed position in order to provide covering fire for his maneuvering comrades. It was at this time that Private Hashagen succumbed to his mortal wounds. Private First Class Hashagen’s gallantry in action was keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Sources: Various websites and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
