William V. Young was born on October 16, 1930. His home of record is Rahway, NJ. He attended Rahway High School and received his GED while in the service. He was especially interested in jazz music.
Young was drafted into the US Army in 1951 from Rahway, NJ. He attained the rank of Specialist 5 (SP5). After his initial tour of duty, he volunteered to continue in the service. While serving as an Army Medic, he completed numerous tours in Germany and Vietnam.
After serving 18 years in the US Army, Young was killed in action in Vietnam on February 7, 1970. He is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in North Linden, NJ.
The following is from the October 28, 2000 dedication program for William V. Young Drive in Rahway, NJ.
Today’s dedication of this newly constructed street in Rahway at the intersection of West Lake Avenue and Dukes Road has been designated to honor the memory of Rahway’s son, William V. Young.
Billy Young, the only son of Eleanor Young, was born in Rahway and attended Rahway schools. He was drafted into the Army in 1951 and after his initial tour of duty, he volunteered to continue in the service of his country. While serving as an Army medic, he completed numerous tours in Germany and Vietnam. Fully committed to a career in the Army after serving for eighteen years, Spec. 5 William V. Young died in Vietnam on February 7, 1970.
The City of Rahway takes pride in recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of its veterans of all races and origins and especially today, of this African-American man, who at the age of thirty-nine made the supreme sacrifice.
The family of Specialist Young is proud of the accomplishments of their son and brother. Billy is survived by his mother, Eleanor Young and his memory is cherished by his sisters: Mamie E. Young, Ernestine Young Goyner, Bernice Young Blanks, Edler Sandra Young Jones, Joann Young and Pamela Young.
Sources: Bernice Young (sister) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
