William C. Stefko was born June 15, 1947, and lived in Bayonne, NJ. He was a graduate of St. Joseph’s School, St. Peter’s Prep, and attended St. Peter’s College for two years before enlisting in the US Army in October 1967.
He did his basic training at Fort Polk, LA, and then went to Fort Knox, KY, for radio school. He was accepted for enrollment in the Officers’ Candidate School at Fort Benning, GA.
After receiving his commission, his first assignment was with the Special Forces at Fort Bragg, NC. He served with the Green Berets from March through October 1969. He left for Vietnam on December 29, 1969, and served with the 173rd Infantry Brigade. He attained the rank of First Lieutenant (1LT).
On January 9, 1970, Stefko was killed in action when he was hit by mortar fire after his platoon came under enemy fire at an aircraft landing zone. His wife was awaiting the birth of their first child within 10 days. He was 22 years old.
Source: NJVVMF.
12/17/2024