In Memoriam: Honoring the Service and Sacrifice of Willard Spencer Lund, Class of 1964

The Sayville Alumni Association remembers and honors the life of Willard Spencer Lund, a proud member of the Class of 1964 who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Known to his friends and family by his middle name, Spencer or Spence, he was the 22-year-old son of Wallace and Georgena Lund of Bayport. 

Always described as a considerate and kind young man, Spencer was a wrestler during his time at Sayville High School. After graduation, he attended Franklin and Marshall College before answering the call to serve, joining the U.S. Army in 1966.

His journey in the military showcased his dedication and skill. After an initial assignment as a communications specialist in Ethiopia, he completed helicopter flight training and became a Warrant Officer. In 1968, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he served as a helicopter pilot with Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, part of the 1st Aviation Brigade.

Tragically, on March 18, 1969, Warrant Officer Lund was killed in action in South Vietnam when his helicopter was brought down by enemy fire during combat operations.

His service, however, was marked by extraordinary heroism. For his actions on that fateful day, he was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the nation’s highest honors for aerial heroism. The official citation details his incredible bravery:

While serving as an aircraft commander of an AH-1G helicopter gunship, he was providing cover for a light observation aircraft that came under intense enemy fire. Without hesitation, he flew his own ship directly between the enemy positions and the vulnerable aircraft, deliberately drawing a “murderous barrage” of anti-aircraft fire onto himself. Refusing to leave the area, he pressed his attack at treetop level, placing extremely accurate fire on the well-fortified enemy positions until they were completely destroyed.

His actions were described as being carried out with “a high degree of professionalism and courage,” and were “in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.”

In addition to the Distinguished Flying Cross, Warrant Officer Lund was the recipient of numerous other honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Air Medal with 22 Oak Leaf Clusters, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. The State of New York also posthumously awarded him a citation and medal for conspicuous service, presented by Governor Rockefeller.

His legacy is permanently woven into the fabric of our community. His name can be found on Panel W29, Line 70 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Locally, the Annable-Lund American Legion Post 1868 in Bayport was chartered and named in remembrance of two local heroes: Spencer Lund and George Annable, ensuring that their sacrifice is never forgotten.

We invite all alumni and community members to join us in keeping the memory of Willard Spencer Lund alive. He was more than a statistic; he was a beloved son, a brother to John W. Lund and Mrs. Broncey Yarnall, a grandson, a friend, and a graduate of Sayville High School whose life was cut short in the line of duty.

We remember his service, we honor his sacrifice, and we extend our eternal gratitude.