William served as - Cpl. - E4 - Army - Drafted Selective Service.
He was 21 years old at the time of his death.
Bill was born on Nov. 11, 1949 in Brooklyn, N.Y.
His tour of duty in Vietnam began on Jan. 12, 1971.
William served with C Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry,
25th Infantry Division.
William was wounded at 5:15 p.m. on Mar. 5, 1971 in Long Khanh Province,
Republic of South Vietnam.
William died at the 24th Evac. Hospital in Long Binh at 7:20 p.m.
His death was a result of hostile gun fire and fragmentation wounds received while on a combat operation, when his unit encountered an enemy force of unknown size while searching a bunker complex. The enemy detonated an explosive device killing William and wounding many. Army medic, Sgt. Charles Robert Biglieni also died that day trying to save William and the many others wounded. Charles Biglieni was killed from the blast of an enemy RPG round.
This is as remembered by Frank Polizzi who was there that day.
William's body was recovered.
Bill is interred in the Stillwater Cemetery, Stillwater, N.J.
William's religion was Lutheran Missouri Synod. He was married. He and his wife Patricia had one son, William Hashagen Jr.
William's name is listed on Panel 4W --- Line 24
of the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
"Rest In Peace William You Are Missed By All Who Knew You"
Honors
William Louis Hashagen served his Country and his Flag with Honor and Valor. His Heroic Service to his Country, Flag, and the Men he served with, earned him the following awards.
The Silver Star Medal (3rd hightest award that can be awarded to a soldier) for Gallantry in Action
Purple Heart for wounds received in an armed conflict.
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Ribbon
The Republic of Vietnam, Military Merit Medal
The Republic of Vietnam, Gallantry Cross with Palm
Good Conduct Medal
The Combat Infantryman Badge
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1st Battalion
27th Infantry
Wolfhounds
Cpl. William Louis Hashagen's Award of The Silver Star
(Posthumously) Reads:
"For gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with
an armed hostile force in the republic of Vietnam: Private First Class Hashagen
distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 5 March 1971 while
serving as a rifleman with Company C, First Battalion, 27th Infantry, Second
Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date an
element of Company C was on a reconnaissance operation when they suddenly came in contact with an enemy force of unknown size. In the initial exchange of fire,
several friendly causalities were sustained, including Private Hashagen, who was a
member of the lead element. Although painfully wounded, Private Hashagen
immediately placed devastating suppressive fire on the enemy positions. As
reinforcements began to arrive, Private Hashagen unselfishly remained in his
exposed position in order to provide covering fire for his maneuvering comrades. It
was at this time that Private Hashagen succumbed to his mortal wounds. Private
First Class Hashagen's gallantry in action was keeping with the highest traditions of
the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the
UNITED STATES ARMY." Authority, by the direction of The President of The United States, under the provisions of the Act of Congress, approved July 9, 1918.
