He insists he's not a hero, but the Coast Guard thinks otherwise. On Friday, the Coast Guard honored William Carr of Davenport with a plaque on its Wall of Gallantry, in the Hall of Heroes, at the academy in Connecticut.
In 1968 Carr received the Bronze Star for heroism when he responded to an enemy attack, and resulting fires, at a Naval supply base in Vietnam. He commanded a patrol boat crew that led the effort to fight the fires, save ammunition and other materials from being destroyed, and helped provide medical help for the wounded.
Since then he's only told his son about this, and never even his wife, but Carr agreed to talk to the cadets at the academy.
He also reminded the cadets he was just 24 years old at the time.
Now 72 years old, Carr graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut in 1965, and commanded two Point class cutters in Vietnam in 1967 and 1968.
His Bronze Star citation says, "Lieutenant Carr’s ability to identify and take appropriate action and to organize the men and facilities at his disposal were instrumental in reducing
the damage and causalities in this action. His alert thinking, prompt action, and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."