Walter Busill Tully, Jr. was born on April 13, 1936. His home of record is Madison, NJ. He was a 1959 graduate of the US Military Academy.

He served in the US Army and attained the rank of Major (MAJ). He was assigned to Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade.

In November 1965, Captain Tully was part of the Battle of Ia Drang Valley, as depicted in We Were Soldiers…Once and Young. He was commanding Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry. The movie ends with the relief of 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry on November 16, 1965. However, the book continues with a description of the horrific fight at LZ Albany, which Tully’s Company participated in.

Tully was killed in action on March 2, 1969, when his encampment was struck by incoming enemy mortar fire. He was killed instantly. He is buried in the West Point Cemetery.

Sources: Various websites and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024