Scope and Contents

Memoirs document William Stuart Morgan, Jr.'s tours of duty in Vietnam from 1965-1966 with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (HMM-163) and from 1968-1969 with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 542 (VMFA-542). A poem and related items are also included.

Biographical / Historical

William Stuart Morgan, Jr. was born on 18 April 1932 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He graduated from The Citadel, Class of 1954, with an AB degree and later received an MEd degree from North Carolina State University. He served over 20 years from 1954-1974 in the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a Major. Designated a Naval Aviator, Morgan served two tours of duty in Vietnam where he flew approximately 300 combat missions, mostly in fighters and helicopters, and was awarded 20 Air Medals. His awards include the Air Medal with Gold Star and Strike/Flight Numeral 18, the Navy Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with one star, the Vietnam Service Medal with seven stars, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. In one of his later occupations, Morgan was employed by the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina for over 15 years. He retired from the State of North Carolina in 1997.