William Nolde

Colonel William Benedict Nolde (August 8, 1929 – January 27, 1973) was an officer in the United States Army. Born in Menominee, Michigan, Nolde was a professor of military science at Central Michigan University before joining the army. He is known for being the last official combat casualty of the Vietnam War.[1]



Military career
Nolde was the last official Combat Casualty of the Vietnam War - the 45,914th confirmed death during the conflict. Colonel Nolde was killed by shell fire eleven hours before the cessation of all hostilities in accordance with the Paris Peace Accords.

As an officer, he served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War, acting as an advisor to the South Vietnamese forces in the latter. While other Americans lost their lives after the truce was enacted, these were not recorded as combat casualties. During his time in the armed forces, he accumulated four medals, including the Bronze Star Medaland Legion of Merit. In 1997, Nolde was one of the first members inducted into the Central Michigan University Reserve Officer's Training Corps Hall of Fame.[2] In 2006, Colonel Nolde was also inducted into the Field Artillery Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame.[3]

Lecture Series
The William B. Nolde Lecture Series has the purpose to promote an understanding of the role of the United States Armed Forces in the life and history of the United States and to recognize the tie between military science and the broader disciplines within the university. The lectures serve as a stimulus to intellectual activity for future leaders both in the military and across the Central Michigan University campus and community.[4] This program is sponsored by the university's Military Science Department. The following are the lectures presented:

Nolde Scholarship
At Central Michigan University the William B. Nolde Scholarship was established in memory of Colonel William B. Nolde by students, family and friends.[14]



Burial
Nolde was buried on February 5, 1973 in Section 3 of Arlington National Cemetery (his widow Joyce was buried beside him in 2005). As the last official combat casualty, his funeral was broadcast on television and was attended by "considerably more brass than the funeral of a field-grade officer would normally command" including General Alexander Haig and President Richard Nixon.[15][16]

Awards and decorations

 * Legion of Merit
 * Bronze Star
 * Purple Heart
 * Air Medal
 * Vietnam Service Medal
 * Vietnam Campaign Medal