William E Watts

Bill and I were army brats together in Taiwan from 1960 to 1962. We went to Taipei American School, and since we were often seated alphabetically, we were near one another and got to be good friends. We did the things that kids in their early teens usually do; we had sleepovers at each other's houses, we collected stamps, we played ball games and board games and we talked about girls.

Bill and I lost contact when our fathers were transferred back to the USA. I heard of his death from my parents who had kept in touch with other service families stationed in Taiwan at the same time.

My wife and I have been to the Vietnam Memorial several times to pay our respects to Bill at panel 52W Row 19. He answered his country's call and he gave up his life when it had hardly begun. His life and his service deserve to be remembered. His picture is taken from our school yearbook in 1962. He is a typical 15 year old; it's the way I remember him. He had 6 years to live. I hope he is still smiling now. Rest well, Bill.

Respectfully submitted by Steve Weller on 7/12/2002, the 34th anniversary of Bill's death.