William Robert SeibertSergeantA CO, 2ND BN, 501ST INFANTRY, 101 ABN DIV Army of the United States 07 March 1945 - 19 February 1968 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Panel 40E Line 030 |
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The database page for William Robert Seibert
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William Robert Seibert was born on 7 March, 1945 and joined the Army in 1967. He was from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was a graduate of Brentwood High School. Prior to joining the Army and deciding to go to Vietnam he worked at Fisher Body. Billy attained the rank of Sgt./E5 and served as 11B4P in the 501st Infantry. He served as a Paratrooper and was killed in action on 19 February 1968 in South Vietnam at a place called Thua Thien, he was 22. Billy was my Godfather and was a kind spirit. He was a family man, devoted to his parents. Before he left he bought his mother a new washer and dryer as a surprise. She wasn't to get the "surprise" until Billy had already left, so he asked my father to help and deliver the thoughtful gift. Billy made sure to leave me with something I have taken with me all my life, a Winnie the Pooh. No matter where I moved I have always taken this doll with me, along with his service picture in a gold frame. I have always felt that Billy is right behind me, watching over me and my children. I wish I would have gotten to know Billy, or that I could remember him, more than the pictures I have. Everyone who has ever spoken to me about him all tell me what a gentle person he was. That Billy had a great sense of family and humor about him. They tell me that he went over to Vietnam because he felt it was his duty, although he didn't have to go, he wanted to go and fight for the freedom we all talk about and have taken for granted. I thank him and all the men and women who went over to Vietnam and fought, or helped keep the way of life my children now enjoy. I miss not knowing him, yet I am proud that he had an ethic inside of him that I am grateful to pass along to my son and daughter.
With Love,
Lori Beth Gulbin
17 Jan 2004 Eulogy for a Veteran
Uncle Billy, I located this poem, it was one that made me feel better about missing you. To feel that you are all around me at all times and into everything I do, then I don't feel as lonely in life; you are always with me. In a few short months I again will be making the trek with my daughter's middle school class to come to Washington and to visit with you at the Wall. The last time I brought my son to you and now I will bring my daughter to see you. I feel that it helps them to appreciate the life that has been carved out for them to live because of the sacrifices you and your brothers made for the rest of us. When I talk to my daughter about you or Vietnam she cries in disbelief of the situation as it had been, the cruelty those who returned endured because their stand was not the popular stand. She is becoming wiser than her 13 years. When peers say insensitive things about the war in Vietnam or any other conflict before or since, she simply says
And then she looks up towards the heavens and quietly says "Thank you! Uncle Billy! We love you and wish we could have been able to know you."
With love and admiration,
PS: We will see you 24 April, 2004! And we cannot wait!
10 Jan 2005 REMEMBEREDby his god-daughter,Lori Beth Gulbin 03 Jun 2006 I want to say "Thank You" to those people who have recently contacted me, with stories about my Uncle Billy. After having this site up for all of these years and finally receiving feedback from those who knew Billy, has really meant the world to me. I am touched that after all of these years the memories held by his friends are so endearing, rich, and full of life. It goes to the heart of who Billy had been and what his legacy has become. Each day I begin by looking at the photograph of Billy in his uniform, cigarette in hand (it was the '60's). I can't help but to remark to myself how handsome he was and also to wonder; what if?.. Then I return to reality and deal with "what is". Billy has taught me that in his death (both tragic and untimely) there is a purpose. For me, what I learned about courage and self-sacrifice, and what it is to put other's needs in front of yours. What wisdom to pass along for someone who was only 22! He would have turned 23 less than a month after his death! In this day and age, I am truly thankful for the service Billy and all those who served with Billy have given for our country. And now to all those "new Billys" who have come along and picked up a rifle and are now standing "post" to keep my family, myself and my country safe. I am honored to have been associated with someone who had the courage to put his life on the line to keep me safe. Once again, thank you for those responses I have received. I am still looking forward to hearing from anyone who may have served with Billy, either in combat or basic training, or who may have just known him in passing. If you have any photos you would like to share, I would be most grateful.
Peace and Love to All, 25 Sep 2006 As Billy's god daughter I want to say thank you to those of you who have contacted me via mail, since my e-mail address failed. I have since opened a new e-mail account and I am now "open for business". Thank you for your letters, you don't know how much they have meant to me. Two of them arrived on days that were low for me and when I opened the letters, I was immediately shocked into reality and thankful that Billy had such great buddies! It's true, I think that one can not be truly gone if those who love them, keep them alive by the constant memories! Please keep those letters coming!! If anyone has pictures and would care to share them with me, along with any stories or memories of Billy and his Squad, please contact me ... anytime ... day or nite! Take care of you and love to all those who served and who are continuing to serve!
Love, |
A Note from The Virtual WallThe 2nd Battalion, 501st Infantry, lost six men on 19 Feb 1968:
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 8 Feb 2003
Last updated 08/10/2009