ODSTRCIL, WILLIAM J.
SP4, U.S. ARMY
Scurry County, Texas

Picture:

Medals:

Purple Heart, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Medal and the Sharpshooter Badge with automatic rifle and rifle bars.

Biography:

William J. Odstrcil was born July 15, 1950, in Snyder, Texas. "Billy Joe," as he was affectionately called, was well liked by everyone. He attended Garden City Elementary and the Hermleigh schools where he participated in football, basketball and track. He really enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hermleigh.

Although he was a sole surviving son, Billy Joe wanted to assume his responsibility to serve his country and enlisted in the Army upon graduating from high school.

While in Vietnam, Billy Joe was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. He was injured seriously on June 13, 1970, after a grenade accidentally exploded while his patrol was taking a rest. Billy Joe was brought to Fort Hood, Texas. The Hermleigh community overwhelming supported the Odstrcil family by providing funds for Billy Joe's mother to stay at his bedside until his death on September 29, 1970.