Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1969 Lucky Bag:

WILLIAM FREDERICK SIGLER

Bill, the pride of Chesapeake, entered the Academy after a successful year at the University of Baltimore. A natural athlete. Bill participated in varsity soccer until the end of second class year when he was sidelined due to an ankle injury. An affable and practical-minded individual. Bill will always be remembered for his charm with the opposite sex. Known as “Cass” by his close friends, Sigs, spent many an evening making life a little brighter for the Belles of Baltimore. A serious student. Bill spent many nights burning the midnight oil. With his professional attitude and high motivation. Bill will make an outstanding officer during his service career.

Loss

William was lost on November 10, 1973 when the helicopter he was piloting exploded shortly after takeoff from Ellyson Field, Florida.

From the Pensacola News Journal (Pensacola, Florida) on November 11, 1973:

Three naval officers, who were among an Ellyson Field helicopter squadron awarded the Navy’s highest safety award this week, were killed Saturday when their helicopter exploded in the air, crashed and burned shortly after takeoff… All three were attached to HT-18 advanced training squadron based at Ellyson Field. The crash occurred approximately one mile from downtown Mobile near Brookley Aerospace Industrial Complex, scattering debris over a one-square-mile area. However, there were no other injuries and no extensive damage to nearby residences. Eyewitnesses said an explosion ripped off the helicopter rotor as it was flying, turning it over and crashing nose first….the Navy said the HU1 helicopter was on a routine cross-country training mission from its base at Ellyson Field.

Other Information

From Find A Grave:

LTJG William Frederick Sigler served with Navy Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three, HA(L)-3 “Seawolves” in Vietnam 1971-1972. Bill was later attached to HT-8 in Pensacola, where he was killed flying a TH57 helicopter which lost a blade over Mobile, AL, with another HA(L)-3 pilot.

From researcher Kathy Franz:

A former resident of Parksville in Baltimore county, Maryland, William graduated from Parksville High School in 1964. During high school, “Bill” was 5’ 9 ½”, blue eyes, and light brown hair. J. V. Soccer 10, Varsity Soccer 11, 12, J. V. Lacrosse 10, Varsity Lacrosse 11, 12, J. V. Basketball 10, Letterman’s Club 11, 12. Favorites: P. O. D. Pet peeve: long assemblies. Future: college. He was appointed to the Naval Academy by Representative Long (D., Md.)

His engagement to Peggie Jeanne Baldwin was announced in June 1967.

In June 1969, he was an usher at Ensign Ronnie Lee Barrow’s (‘69) wedding. Other ushers were: Midshipmen 2C James Smoogen, Michael Hambleton and Thomas Dalton.

Following flight training at Pensacola, he served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam for a year without mishap. He won 29 decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Survived by his parents, Mrs. and Mrs. Charles E. Sigler, Sr. of Parksville; two brothers Charles Jr. and Kevin; three sisters Mrs. Karen Tracey, Mrs. Cathy Phoebus, and Becky; four nephews and nieces.

Photographs

From his high school yearbook

From his high school yearbook

From The Evening Sun on August 4, 1965

Related Articles

Bill likely overlapped with at least one of the men who were lost in Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) (HA(L)) 3. In particular, Arnold Barden, Jr. ‘69 was a member of the squadron when he was killed in Vietnam in September 1971.