Billy Wayne Machen

Age: 27
Branch: USN
Rank(s): RD3, RD2, RD1 (posthumously)
Unit(s): UDT12, ST1
Station: South Vietnam

Fallen on: 19 Aug 1966
Location: Quang Nam, South Vietnam, Rung Sat Zone
Era: Vietnam
Campaign:

Medals & Commendations: Silver Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal w/bronze star, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/bronze star, South Vietnam Military Merit Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam RVN Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Civil Action 1 C Palm Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert Rifle Medal, Expert Pistol Medal.

Hometown: Gilmer, TX

Details:
RD2 Machen was the first SEAL killed in the Vietnam. He died of wounds received in an ambush when he exposed himself to enemy fire to protect his teammates.