William J. Bradley

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Jose Andres "Andy" Chacon on August 23, 2004:

William James Bradley, Jr. Born January 13, 1925 - Died April 18, 2002 William James "Brad" Bradley, Jr., was born in Rhode Island on 13 January 1925 and was appointed to West Point from the United States Army. His West Point classmates recall: "Joining our class from the Army, Brad started one of his classmates in character development. His numerous 'fair deal' requests to the Commandant, his ready wit, and his booming voice were constant reminders of this congenial Irish-man. Brad was always the natural choice for any hard assignment. His ability and readiness to accomplish these tasks insure his continued success in the Army." During his cadet days Brad went out for Track plebe year; was with the Catholic Choir plebe, yearling, and cow years; with the Policy and the General Committees cow and first class years; on the Howitzer staff first class year; and was a Cadet Lieutenant his first class year serving as Battalion Adjutant. Upon graduation Brad went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia reported to his first duty station. In 1953 Brad was assigned to the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division in Korea from 1953 to 1954 and was decorated with two Bronze Star Medals, one for valor and one for distinguished heroism against an enemy; and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Then in 1954 Brad received orders to the 504th Airborne Infantry Regiment where he served until 1956 and was awarded the Commendation Ribbon. In 1957 Brad was assigned to the Staff & Faculty of The Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia and he served there until 1959 when he was selected to attend the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. On completion Brad was assigned to the British Staff College and served with them until 1962. Next, logically, he was assigned to the Army Standardization Group with the United Kingdom until 1964. In late 1964 Brad attended the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, Virginia and on completion was named Battalion Commander with the 82nd Airborne Division until 1966 and was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services; and the Combat Infantryman Badge. In 1967 Brad attended the Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania and then was assigned to Headquarters, Strike Command and served there until 1969 and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Next Brad was appointed Commanding Officer of the Support Command and 3rd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division in the Republic of Vietnam where he served from 1969 to 1970 and was decorated with the Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action; a second Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services; a third Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism against an enemy; 26 Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight; and the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. Brad's last military assignment was in 1970 to the Office, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, Department of the Army where he served until 1971 when he retired from the United States Army as a Colonel and was awarded a third Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. On retirement Brad went into the Real Estate Industry. Brad and his wife Dell spent the winter in Clearwater, Florida and summer in Waynesville, North Carolina. The July 1991 Assembly noted, "With the latest move from St Pete to Clearwater, the Bill Bradleys are now down to two homes, the other is near Asheville, NC. Dell says this move will last for a long time. Despite the overwhelming fatigue caused by watching the efforts of painters, paper hangers and decorators, they along with the Volks, acquired enough energy to attend the recent marriage of Des and Ann O'Keefe's son David." Bill died on April 18, 2002. jac; 18164, wc 540

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