Staff Sgt. William D. Vile
United States Army
KIA 01 May 2009
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27, of Philadelphia; assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kan.; died of
wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using direct fire May 1 near the village of
Nishagam, Konar province, Afghanistan. Also killed were Sgt. James D. Pirtle and Spc. Ryan C.
King.

Tributes

This Memorial Page Established by-James Finnegan
In Honor Of SSG William David Vile
SSG Vile died of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using direct fire May 1
2009 near the village of Nishagam, in Konar Province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the
1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas.

William was known to most people as Bill. Bill attended Lincoln High School in the
Philadelphia neighborhood of Mayfair. He was a member of the Air Force Junior Reserve
Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC). Bill was on the Unarmed Drill Team and helped win the
1998 Military Ball. Bill was the type of guy that would lend an hand to anyone in need.
Everyone loved Bill. He made you smile; whether it was a weird face or a wet willy he always
had something.

He joined the PA National Guard in 1998 as an 11 Charlie (Infantryman). He went to basic
Training at Fort Benning, "D" Company 2-19th Inf. 2nd platoon "Untouchables". His First
assignment was the 1st Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry (Co. A 1/104th cavalry). Bill went
active Army in 1999 and was first stationed in Ft. Polk Louisiana (JRTC), Followed by the 1-32
Infantry Battalion 10th Mountain Division. He had 4 total tours in Iraq and Afghanistan where
he was awarded many medals to include 3 Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. SSG Bill Vile's
latest assignment was cadre (trainer) at Fort Benning GA, which made him a great candidate
to teach the Afghan Army. So being the true American hero that he is, SSG (Army Guy) Bill
Vile volunteered for his final tour in Afghanistan to teach the Afghan Army military tactics.

Bill wanted to start his family. He was due home in August 2009 and was engaged to be
married in Feb, 2010 to his fiancé Heather.

Bill you are a hero we love you.  You will live on in our hearts.  

February 24, 2010
George & Jane Vile
Billy was a brave young soldier that was able to excel in any environment -
God surely blessed all who knew him; he set a wonderful example to all those around him.  
Men like him have sacrificed themselves so that we have all been privileged to enjoy the
many freedoms that America offers.  He will never be forgotten.

July 16, 2009
MAJ David Dumond, ETT 2008
In Honor Of SSG Vile
You will be missed.  You are a true hero
MAJ Dumond