William Edward Malcolm, Jr. was born on September 4, 1941, in Clifton, NJ, to William and Mary Malcolm. His home of record is Clifton, NJ. He had one sister, Mary Elizabeth. The elder Malcolm served as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Engineers during WWII and Korea and later worked for the Clifton Public Works Department.
A 1960 graduate of Clifton High School, Malcolm followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the US Army. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, and advanced training at Fort Benning, GA. He applied for, and received, appointment to the “Old Guard”, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Myers, VA. The 3rd Division performed funerals at Arlington National Cemetery and guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Over a three and a half-year period, Malcolm participated in President Kennedy’s inaugural ceremonies, began walking guard duty at the “Tomb”, and rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class (SFC). During the weekend of November 22, 1963, he participated in the guard detail that stood vigil over President Kennedy’s casket in the East Room of the White House before it was moved to the Rotunda. On Monday, November 25, 1963, Malcolm commanded the firing party and ordered the firing sequence for the President’s twenty-one gun salute. In 1964, William Manchester, who recorded his actions and included them in the book, “Death of a President”, interviewed Malcolm.
After four years of duty at Arlington National Cemetery, Malcolm was transferred to Germany where he served for about three years. In 1969, William asked for, and received a transfer to active duty.
Malcolm began his tour of duty in Vietnam on September 22, 1969. Waiting at their home in Tennessee for his safe return were Malcolm’s wife, Nancy, and three children, who ranged in age from 3 to 5.
On May 5, 1970, while serving with Company C, 502nd Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, Malcolm was killed in action by enemy artillery fire in Thua Thein, near the Demilitarized Zone.
William Malcolm received the Combat Infantry’s Badge, the Bronze Star and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star.
His death occurred less than a week after US and South Vietnamese troops invaded Cambodia, in an attempt to destroy Viet Cong bases. The day before Malcolm died, four students were killed at Kent State University in Ohio by National Guardsmen during an anti-war protest.
Malcolm’s Silver Star citation reads:
For gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 5 May 1970. Sergeant Malcolm distinguished himself while serving as a platoon sergeant in Company C, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 502d Infantry, on combat operations near Fire Support Base Veghel, Republic of Vietnam. While attacking an enemy bunker complex, Sergeant Malcolm’s platoon came under intense rocket propelled grenade, automatic weapons and small arms fire. Sergeant Malcolm directed his men against the enemy positions and was seriously wounded by automatic weapons fire. Despite his wounds, he continued the assault and engaged the insurgents with grenade and rifle fire. While leading his men against an automatic weapons position, Sergeant Malcolm was mortally wounded. His actions, however, enabled his unit to overrun the complex and rout the enemy force. Sergeant Malcolm’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Sources: Mary Malcolm (mother), Clifton War Veterans Monument Committee, and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
