WILLIAM E SWAYKOS - SP4
- HOMETOWN:
- bloomfield
- COUNTY:
- Essex
- DATE OF BIRTH:
- September 04, 1943
- DATE OF CASUALTY:
- January 23, 1965
- BRANCH OF SERVICE:
- Army
- RANK:
- SP4
- STATUS:
- KIA
- COUNTRY:
- South Vietnam
Biography
William E. Swaykos was born on September 4, 1943. His home of record is Bloomfield, NJ. He had one sister, Lorraine, and one brother, Joseph.
He served in the US Navy Reserves prior to enlisting in the US Army. The reason that he joined the regular Army was so that he could get out of the service sooner to get married. Swaykos attained the rank of Specialist 4 (SP4).
Swaykos was killed in action on January 23, 1965.
Billy Swaykos' was the first Vietnam funeral I attended. He was in my Boy Scout Troop 40, where he was affectionately known as 'Rocky". He got that name for his swimming ability, or lack thereof. To advance in the Boy Scouts he had to learn, and he was legendary for his persistence. He was genuinely well-liked and well-respected by his peers. Billy grew up in Newark and lived next door to me on West Market Street.
Written by Jack Cashill, Friend
Sources: Lorraine Gerling (sister), Joe Swaykos (brother), Jack Cashill (friend) and NJVVMF.
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