William Baugh Obituary

I wore William Baugh´s POW bracelet during the late 1960´s-early 70´s. I just ran into this bracelet again, and decided to look him up on the Internet. I knew nothing about him when I wore that bracelet except that he was a POW in Vietnam. it is very comforting to me now to know that he was returned home and had a family waiting for him. Just wanted you to know that some stranger still cares about your dad.
Susan Foster
San Diego, CA

Marking anniversary of end of vietnam war made me think of William Baugh. I wore his POW bracelet during last years of his capture. I was 12 years old, from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. I saw him on tv departing the plane upon his return. I will never forget that nor him for his unwavering bravery & service to our country. Thank you. Nancy

a brave man who went in harms way for us all

I've never had the priviledge of meeting Bill but as the son of a decorated 1st Sgt in the Army, I felt compelled to send my thoughts and prayers to his family. It is wonderful that so many people have recognized the contributions Bill and so many of his comrades have done for the freedom of Americans.

My thoughts and prayers to Bill's family.

Very nice entries from everyone - I get to read about a different side of Liz's dad. I'm gonna miss hangin' out on Christmas Eve and having fondue with Bill and the family. Even though we haven't done it in a few years, I'll miss the chance to enjoy his quiet interest in my boring life. Bill always asked how my life was going - much appreciated!!!

Dearest Mary and family;
The Baugh family have played an important part in my life, as Bill was my boss at NORAD Hqs Protocol shop and the family sort of adopted me as a single Canadian Officer arriving in the Springs 1977. Bill taught me much about the USAF and Protocol as I taught him about Canadians. We worked hard, played hard, and yet we had great times serving the Command. Bill never flintched when things got tough, and somehow he got us through long tough times. He took time to talk to all of us, visitors, cadets, civilians, about Vietnam and how he endured that terrible experience. You knew we were in the presence of a true warrior, a hero, a leader, a family man. I owe much to Bill and his family and Margit and we will miss him very much. God Bless you all, and we are here for anything we can do to help you Mary.

Dear Mrs Baugh and family:
I was saddened and shocked by the news of Bill's passing, just received tonight.
I only met Bill twice at reunions but corresponded with him by email and phone several times. I was an Army POW and in NamPows, but our paths never crossed during captivity...for me it was 2 Dec 67 to 16 March 73. However he was the most reliable correspondent and manager of the NamPows listserv and network...I feel very close to him and send to you and your family my deepest respect and most sincere and affectionate expression of condolence. God bless you and may his memory and the memory of his goodness sustain you.

Hal Kushner MD
COL (ret) US Army

Dear Mary and Family,
I did not know you or your husband personally, but was in Colorado Springs in 2008 to honor POW/MIA and veterans, and am very familiar with POW stories like his, as I've helped write 3 books on the Vietnam POW experience. Please accept my condolences and gratitude for what you, he, and your whole family sacrificed in service to our country. As that flag says, "You Are Not Forgotten." He probably knew Larry and Evy Guarino, who are close friends of mine here in Florida. Larry spent more than seven years in Hanoi prisons. May God Bless you and your family, and comfort you in your (and our) profound loss of a great man--patriot, hero, husband, father and grandfather..
Carol Jose
Melbourne Beach, Florida

We shared the skies in Vietnam. Bill was a great American hero and respected fighter pilot. He earned the respect of his contemporaries and the nation for his selfless service. Mary, your Kingswood neighbors mourn your loss.

Dear Mrs. Baugh and family;
My heartfelt condolences to you. Bill would have been a great friend if we lived closer. I will honor his name in my film. He gave me great encouragement in our phone conversations. A great man, a humble man, who spoke highly of his family. God bless.

Mary,

I am so sorry to hear about Bill's passing. I don't know if you remember me, but I worked for Bill when he was the Chief of Public Affairs for the 2nd Space Wing. It was such an honor to work for him and I will always have such fonds memories of those times.

Carol Searson, Schriever (formerly Falcon AFB)

My prayers go out to the Baugh family. Mr Baugh (I lived on the same street as them while growing up) was an honorable man and had a gracious family. It's through difficult times we become stronger. Surely he would desire all who knew him to remember that.

A true American hero. The embodiment of "Duty, Honor, Contry." In fighter pilot parlance, "Throw a nickle on the grass!" We will miss you sorely B-Squared.

Hello Mary & Family,

It is with great sorrow that I receive the news of Bill's passing. You and the family have my deepest sympathy and most sincere condolences at this tme.

If I may, Bill will always be remembered by me as a great friend and classmate during our days in Piqua. The rememberence of our friendship as we grew up is among my brightest of memories of Piqua. He made us all proud of his accomplishments and in his service to our country.

Great Job Bill !!!! Rest Well My Friend.

Art "Sonny" Thomas
PHS Class of '52

A great patriot with a wonderful sense of humor and wit.

I worked for Bill when he was chief of P.A. at Falcon AFB when I was in my mid-20s. The impact he had on my life cannot be described. His wisdom and outlook on life continue to shape my daily life today. A true hero and inspiration.

If you've ever heard Colonel Baugh speak, you could never forget him. We've lost a great patriot. God Bless.

It was a honor to serve under Colonel Baugh. A outstanding officer and better man.

What a grand man and a great American!