10 Feb 2001 I didn't personally know Lt. Racca but I was a (much younger) friend of his father. I remember so well the pain Bill, Sr. felt over losing his son in this far away war. It crushed him totally. We, as Americans, owe our freedoms to fine men like Bill Racca, Jr. who gave the supreme sacrifice for the cause of liberty. I think this young man deserves a place on The Virtual Wall just as he is represented on the Vietnam Memorial. Lt. Racca, I've lost contact with your father. I don't know if he's even alive now. But I know he was proud of you and for what it's worth, so am I. In my book, you hold your place with all the great Americans and you are truly a hero of mine. God bless you and thank you for your sacrifice. James R. Carter, II MSgt, USAF, Retired jrcarter2@aol.com

 

18 Apr 2003 Uncle Bill, me and the rest of the family miss you and love you! We're very proud of the work you have done. From his niece, Christina Racca deb_n_arizona@hotmail.com

 

11 Jun 2004 REMEMBERED by his brother, James Racca 26 Mar 2005 We remember 3/26/1947 - 3/26/2005 From his brother, James Racca 26 Mar 2006 I remember 3/26/1947 - 3/26/2006 From his brother, James Racca james.racca@phoenix.gov

 

27 Jul 2004 Bill- I have missed you and have been very proud of you all these years. Your beautiful daughter has been the love of my life. Memories last a lifetime... you will always hold a very special place in my heart. Jean From his wife, Jean Racca Krebs jeanwithaj2006@yahoo.com

 

27 Jul 2004 DAD- I have always been proud to be your daughter and a RACCA. It has been comforting to me to have you watching me from heaven since the age of nine months. You have always been my guardian angel. It makes me proud to know that you gave your life up for so many others. Stay close to me, Dad... love, Michelle From his daughter, Michelle Racca mracca@phila.k12.pa.us

 

31 Jul 2004 My dearest son-in-law, I loved you like you were my own son, as you visited every day to see my daughter or to visit with me. Your departure from this life was a terrible tragedy. I still go twice a year to bring you flowers (Easter and Christmas). You will always be missed. From his mother-in-law, Jeannine Stephenson E-mail address is not available.

 

31 Jul 2004 To my dear brother-in-law, When we first met, you were playing ball. My sister said to me - "See that guy? I am going to marry him." And she did! I was always proud that you were my brother-in-law, Bill, and I am still proud of you now. Every time I see your daughter, she reminds me of you. We always think of you and take you flowers twice a year. Your memory lives on-- Love, Frances Cool (your "spider"). From his sister-in-law, Frances Cool raccafella_2002@yahoo.com

 

11 Apr 2006 To William Racca, his loving family, and all those who see this: I am an Army ROTC student at the University of Texas at Austin. I am very appreciative of your sacrifice for this country and all the people who live freely in it. Thank you. Your selfless effort has not been and will not be forgotten. It stands as a grand example of courage and leadership for everyone who comes after you. Your family is very proud of you. They are truly blessed to have had you in their lives. From an admirer, David Middaugh davidmiddaugh@yahoo.com

 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY Headquarters 1st Cavalry Divison (Airmobile) APO San Francisco 96490 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 5536 AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR 1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously. RACCA, WILLIAM 214-52-5454 FIRST LIEUTENANT UNITED STATES ARMY COMPANY B, 5TH BATTALION (AIRMOBILE), 7TH CAVALRY Awarded: Silver Star Date action: 9 April 1969 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Reason: For gallantry in action while involved in military operations involving conflict with a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Racca distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 9 April 1969 while serving as a platoon leader with Company B, 5th Battalion (Airmobile), 7th Cavalry, during a search and clear mission in Binh Long Province, Republic of Vietnam. When his unit became heavily engaged with a large force and sustained a casualty, First Lieutenant Racca exposed himself to the intense hostile fire as he moved forward and assisted in carrying the wounded soldier to a secure position. He then reorganized his platoon and maneuvered them forward. When the lead element was pinned down First Lieutenant Racca directed the fire of his men and successfully relieved the pressure on the element. Upon discovering that one soldier could not be withdrawn, First Lieutenant Racca rushed forward with his machine gunners and several riflemen and provided cover for the man's withdrawal. His gallant action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army. Authority: By direction of the President under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved 9 July 1918. FOR THE COMMANDER: Chief of Staff OFFICIAL: ROBERT M. SHOEMAKER COLONEL GS Adjutant General

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