Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Fortune
Coghill
1923-07-23

–

2016-04-28

Born:

, 

Alaska

Home:

Nenana

, 

Alaska

Buried: 

Fort Richardson

, 

Alaska

Cemetery:

Fort Richardson National Cemetery

William Coghill graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1947. He retired in 1975 as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    1974 – 1975
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) William Fortune Coghill (ASN: 0-50753), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Alaska, from 1974 to 1975. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Coghill culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    1970 – 1974
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) William Fortune Coghill (ASN: 0-50753), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Comptroller of the U.S. Army Alaska, from 1970 to 1974. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Coghill and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Action Date:

    1966 – 1969
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel (Infantry) William Fortune Coghill (ASN: 0-50753), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States in the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army, from 1966 to 1969. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Coghill and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Division:

    24th Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    August 12, 1950
    Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 111 (August 30, 1950)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) William Fortune Coghill (ASN: 0-50753), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as a member of the 24th Reconnaissance Company, 24th Infantry Division, in action on 12 August 1950 at Yongsan , Korea. By infiltration the enemy had reached the Division main supply route and succeeded in establishing a road block composed of anti-tank and automatic weapons which denied passage of supplies to front line units. Eight vehicles had been destroyed by the enemy in attempting to run this road block. Lieutenant Coghill, in an effort to locate exact enemy positions and to secure a re-supply of ammunition for the Reconnaissance Company, volunteered to run the road block in a jeep. In this attempt, he was seriously wounded through his leg but managed to get through the road block to his company command post. Although suffering intense pain, he refused treatment until he had informed his company commander of the enemy intelligence. This information enabled the company to successfully eliminate the road block and to open the Division main supply route. His bravery, devotion to duty and selfless action reflect the highest credit on Lieutenant Coghill and the armed forces.