Community Corner

Guest Editorial: Honoring a Local Soldier Who Died in Vietnam

Rep. Tom Murt will lead a tree-dedication ceremony tomorrow at the high school, to honor fallen Vietnam soldier Capt. William Ahlum.

Editor's note: The following guest editorial was submitted by State Representative Thomas Murt (PA-152).

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To this very day, our nation still has not given Vietnam veterans their proper recognition, respect, or gratitude. 

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Many of our own neighbors who are Vietnam veterans continue to fight for VA benefits which they have duly earned. Many Vietnam veterans still wait for benefits relating to their exposure to Agent Orange and other toxic, chemical defoliants used in combat. 

Tragically, many Vietnam veterans have had children who have suffered serious health problems of their own, due to the exposure of their parents to these chemicals. 

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One of most important things I have tried to accomplish as State Representative is to recognize and honor our local Vietnam veterans, both the ones who made it through their wartime experience, and the ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice. 

One of our local, young men who died in Vietnam was Captain William J. Ahlum, better known as Bill to his family and friends. 

Bill grew up in Upper Moreland Township on High Avenue and often played ball at the Fern Village Playground.  He graduated from Upper Moreland High School in 1961 where he played varsity baseball and took part in the play productions.  After his high school graduation, Bill attended the Pennsylvania Military College (PMC) in Chester, now known as Widener University. 

Bill was a 1966 graduate of PMC and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army upon graduation.  Bill served proudly in the U.S. Army during a time when our country seemed to be in a war with itself.  The turmoil throughout the nation, the assassinations of Robert Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, and the political climate throughout America truly exemplified painful times for our nation. 

It was in this maelstrom that Captain Ahlum went to Vietnam in February of 1969. Despite all the chaos at home, Bill Ahlum was very proud of being a soldier. His classmates could attest to the fact that Bill truly loved the Army. One of Bill’s fellow soldiers in Vietnam wrote,

“I remember when Captain Ahlum first arrived and assumed command of our company.  He was well-liked by the men, and as a Commander, he displayed care and compassion for his soldiers.  He truly cared about them.  On the night he was killed, he risked his own life attempting to insure that all his men had evacuated the mortar impact area, and unfortunately, he was unable to save himself.  He was killed, along with Specialist Jerry Petersen.  The days following that attack were very sad for all of us in the company.  I still remember those days as if they were recent. I will never forget him.”

Bill Ahlum was only in Vietnam for six weeks when he was killed in 1969.  Bill’s page on the Vietnam Wall website describes him as an officer who truly cared about his men.  One of his soldiers wrote that Captain Bill Ahlum sent the enlisted soldier to safety, and then went back himself to the attack area, to find soldiers who were wounded and to render medical attention. 

Bill was awarded the Bronze Star with a ‘V’ for his valor, for his efforts at protecting his men. 

Although I was only nine years-old at the time, I can recall when Bill Ahlum died in 1969.  He lived up the street from where my father still lives.  The neighborhood was very sad at losing one of its own. His death brought the Vietnam War right to our doorsteps.  I remember my Mother and the other parents not allowing the kids out to play in the neighborhood for few days after the news of Bill’s death, as a sign of respect to the Ahlum family. 

Captain Bill Ahlum has never received the respect and recognition he deserved from our community.  To honor Captain William J. Ahlum, I will conduct a for him on Friday, Oct. 21 at 3:10 p.m. in front of the . 

Bill’s classmates are having their 50th reunion that weekend.  This ceremony will allow the class of 1961 to properly salute their classmate who died in service to our nation.  The ceremony is open to the public and all are invited. 

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Rep. Thomas P. Murt served in Iraq with the 4th Infantry Division.  He represents the 152nd Legislative District.  The 152nd Legislative District includes the townships of Lower Moreland, Upper Moreland, as well as the Boroughs of Hatboro and Bryn Athyn.  The district also includes portions of Upper Dublin, Horsham Township, and the Philmont Heights section of Northeast Philadelphia.


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