Memorial Day: Remembering Stanner Heroes

On Memorial Day, we remember the sacrifices of the many brave members of our armed forces. In a special way, we pray for our Stanners who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Each year, the Class of 1963 upholds a long-running tradition in observance of Memorial Day. Members of the class donate a floral wreath to honor their classmate, Private First Class Louis Willett '63. PFC Willett was mortally wounded on February 15, 1967 in Kontum Province, Vietnam as he intentionally drew significant hostile fire away from the other members of his platoon. This enabled the platoon to safely retreat from the area, avoiding further casualties. PFC Willett and his selfless acts of courage would be formally recognized when he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation states the medal was awarded "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.” PFC Willett was also later inducted into the Stanner Hall of Fame. Thank you to the Class of 1963 for helping Molloy honor and share PFC Willett’s legacy and place in history. | Read PFC Willett’s Full Medal of Honor Citation

We also pray for all our Stanners who gave their lives in the line of duty during the Vietnam War. A plaque in the halls of Molloy memorializes their names: Herbert H. Dilger ’60, Charles V. Donohue ’60, Cosmo F. Pacetta ’63, John T. Reilly ’63, Peter M. Roche ’63, Louis Willett '63, Peter R. Martin ’64, Gerard F. Paulsen ’64, James E. Stolz ’64, John F. Downey ’65, Kevin R. Hoag ’65, and Bruce N. Sweeney ’66.