Call Number:

05

Repository:

Historical Society of Tacony

Extent:

1.75 linear feet ((15 photograph albums, 1 yearbook, 1 plaque, 2 spiral-bound documents))

Language:

English

Date:

1948-1996 (inclusive)

Creator:

Carpenter family

Abstract:

William H. Carpenter, Jr. was a resident of the Tacony neighborhood of Philadelphia, who joined the military during the Vietnam War and died in Vietnam in 1967. The William H. Carpenter photographs, 1948-1996, is primarily made up of photograph albums of William H. "Billy" Carpenter and family events. The collection also includes a yearbook, several clippings and pamphlets, and a plaque.

"William H. Carpenter, Jr. lived on Ditnam Street in the Tacony section of Philadelphia. He attended St. Leo's Elementary School before entering Father Judge [High School] in 1963. He actively participated in Father Judge intramural sports until he graduated in [1966]. Shortly after graduation, William joined the U.S. Marine Corps because he wanted to get his military service finished before beginning college. He was a 19 year old Private and radio operator for the Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Division. He died in the Thau Thien Province of Vietnam on December 27, 1967. William was one of seven from the Tacony area to die in Vietnam."

The gymnasium in the Disston Recreation Center was dedicated to William H. Carpenter, Jr. on September 21, 1996.

Bibliography:

Book of memorials to Father Judge High School Graduates who died in the Vietnam War, 1990.

This collection is primarily made up of photograph albums of William H. "Billy" Carpenter and family events. There are some photographs of his family after Billy's death at Vietnam memorial and veteran events. The collection also includes Carpenter's high school yearbook, in which have been inserted several newspaper clippings about local soldiers killed in Vietnam, 1966-1968; a book of memorials for Father Judge High School Vietnam casualties, 1990; and a plaque from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society presented to Carpenter's classmate, U.S. Marine Michael Carpino, in 1996.