SSG Billy W McKeel, Vietnam Veteran, Native of Pikeville, North Carolina.

Staff Sergeant Billy W McKeel was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Army, SSG McKeel served our country until January 12th, 1967 in Bing Thuy, South Vietnam. He was 26 years old and was not married. It was reported that Billy died from an undetermined explosion. His body was recovered. Billy was born on May 1st, 1940 in Pikeville, North Carolina. SSG Mc Keel is on panel 14E, line 017 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 4 years.

My family and I will cherish the short time we had with Billy but we know he didn't his life in vain for he was so proud to be in the Army and he was doing something he truly believed in and felt that it was a honor to do.
Billy was a man that really loved the Army. He loved it so much it was hard for him to take his uniform off. Me & Billy were over there together and were headed for Hawaii for R&R when he was killed. It was tough on all of us but we did what we had to do. His best friend and brother: Ralph McKeel

Billy was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse) at the time of his death. 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia are attempting to locate relatives of all of our Troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Please contact Joe Willey at: 11thacr[email protected] or through our website: http://www.11thcavnam.com.

THIS MAN WAS A GOD FEARING MAN EVERY MAN IN THE UNIT COULD RELY ON SARGENT BILLY, HE WILL BE REWARDED FOR ALL THE GOOD HE DID DO FOR HIS MEN WHO FOUGHT ALONG SIDE HIM,AND THOSE WHO DIED WITH HIM THAT DAY. GOD BLESS YOU BILLY, AND MAY YOUR FAMILY FIND THIS,AND KNOW THAT WE ALL THANK THE BLACKHORSE TROOPERS WHO GAVE ALL. FROM A TROOP, 1ST SQD, 11TH ACR 3RD/PLT. DOUGLAS HUNT.

He was a top notch trooper: Billy was one of a kind, he could get along with anyone, and make them feel good about themselves. He never had a bad word for any one. He earned respect by giving it to all he came in touch with. It was a shame to lose him and his crew. It took time to realize that SSGT McKeel was gone. His thoughts and actions while doing his job, fed light and inspiration to many troopers. Ssgt Mac was a vigilant trooper and road hard and strong. Ride on Ssgt Billy Mc Keel, ride high in the saddle you will not be forgotten. We will ride again together some day. ALLONS!! 3rd Plt A Troop, 11th/ACR 6667, Delbert(Doug)Hunt, PO Box 2513, St George, UT 84771.

I REMEMBER YOU BROTHER: I STILL REMEMBER AND MISS YOU BILLY. TO THE BLACKHORSE FROM JAN 12, 2005: WELCOME HOME. HAND SALUTE TO YOU. KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN AND YOUR SPIRITS UP. He grew up in Pikeville. I looked up to him and his brother Ralph. I was 93RD Evac. Long Binh Oct 66/ Oct 67. I miss you brother. When I learned that Billy was in my area I was going to go and try to find him and say, Hello. Dang from my home town and my buddy. A few days later I got a letter from my mom and dad saying you had been killed. My heart still hurts for that Billy. My grandfather, Chief Ira Dale told me: "It's OK Junebud, he's with his dad, Jody now. He's Ok." after I came home. I think he was right. Billy if you can hear me, brother. Watch my 6 and put in a good word with the Master for me. To remember you is not to let you die. As long as you are in my memory and that of your family you will live. As long as I live you will be with me and your family in our memories. I miss you Brother. W. Talmage Thigpen, Jr, 102 Baker Drive, Pikeville, NC 27863, [email protected].

He was the son of Mr and Mrs Jodie McKeel, 1402 East Walnut Street, Goldsboro, NC.

He served with Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, USARV.

He was awarded The Combat Infantryman's Badge(CIB), The Bronze Star Medal, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal.

SSG Billy W McKeel, Vietnam Veteran, Native of Pikeville, North Carolina.

Staff Sergeant Billy W McKeel was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Army, SSG McKeel served our country until January 12th, 1967 in Bing Thuy, South Vietnam. He was 26 years old and was not married. It was reported that Billy died from an undetermined explosion. His body was recovered. Billy was born on May 1st, 1940 in Pikeville, North Carolina. SSG Mc Keel is on panel 14E, line 017 of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. He served our country for 4 years.

My family and I will cherish the short time we had with Billy but we know he didn't his life in vain for he was so proud to be in the Army and he was doing something he truly believed in and felt that it was a honor to do.
Billy was a man that really loved the Army. He loved it so much it was hard for him to take his uniform off. Me & Billy were over there together and were headed for Hawaii for R&R when he was killed. It was tough on all of us but we did what we had to do. His best friend and brother: Ralph McKeel

Billy was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse) at the time of his death. 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia are attempting to locate relatives of all of our Troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Please contact Joe Willey at: 11thacr[email protected] or through our website: http://www.11thcavnam.com.

THIS MAN WAS A GOD FEARING MAN EVERY MAN IN THE UNIT COULD RELY ON SARGENT BILLY, HE WILL BE REWARDED FOR ALL THE GOOD HE DID DO FOR HIS MEN WHO FOUGHT ALONG SIDE HIM,AND THOSE WHO DIED WITH HIM THAT DAY. GOD BLESS YOU BILLY, AND MAY YOUR FAMILY FIND THIS,AND KNOW THAT WE ALL THANK THE BLACKHORSE TROOPERS WHO GAVE ALL. FROM A TROOP, 1ST SQD, 11TH ACR 3RD/PLT. DOUGLAS HUNT.

He was a top notch trooper: Billy was one of a kind, he could get along with anyone, and make them feel good about themselves. He never had a bad word for any one. He earned respect by giving it to all he came in touch with. It was a shame to lose him and his crew. It took time to realize that SSGT McKeel was gone. His thoughts and actions while doing his job, fed light and inspiration to many troopers. Ssgt Mac was a vigilant trooper and road hard and strong. Ride on Ssgt Billy Mc Keel, ride high in the saddle you will not be forgotten. We will ride again together some day. ALLONS!! 3rd Plt A Troop, 11th/ACR 6667, Delbert(Doug)Hunt, PO Box 2513, St George, UT 84771.

I REMEMBER YOU BROTHER: I STILL REMEMBER AND MISS YOU BILLY. TO THE BLACKHORSE FROM JAN 12, 2005: WELCOME HOME. HAND SALUTE TO YOU. KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN AND YOUR SPIRITS UP. He grew up in Pikeville. I looked up to him and his brother Ralph. I was 93RD Evac. Long Binh Oct 66/ Oct 67. I miss you brother. When I learned that Billy was in my area I was going to go and try to find him and say, Hello. Dang from my home town and my buddy. A few days later I got a letter from my mom and dad saying you had been killed. My heart still hurts for that Billy. My grandfather, Chief Ira Dale told me: "It's OK Junebud, he's with his dad, Jody now. He's Ok." after I came home. I think he was right. Billy if you can hear me, brother. Watch my 6 and put in a good word with the Master for me. To remember you is not to let you die. As long as you are in my memory and that of your family you will live. As long as I live you will be with me and your family in our memories. I miss you Brother. W. Talmage Thigpen, Jr, 102 Baker Drive, Pikeville, NC 27863, [email protected].

He was the son of Mr and Mrs Jodie McKeel, 1402 East Walnut Street, Goldsboro, NC.

He served with Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, USARV.

He was awarded The Combat Infantryman's Badge(CIB), The Bronze Star Medal, The Purple Heart Medal for his combat related wounds, The Vietnam Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, The National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal.