By By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP - Managing Editor
Sgt. William W. Seay, a Brewton native, was among three men placed into the Alabama Military Hall of Honor last week. But, Seay was not there to shake hands or accept any awards as he made the ultimate sacrifice for his country along a road in Vietnam in October 1968.
In an induction ceremony held on Nov. 2, the announcement of Seay's placement was made by Col. John K. Gibler, USA (Ret.), director of the hall which is located on the campus of Marion Military Institute (MMI).
The ceremony included the unveiling of plaques and the MMI Corps of Cadets conducted a full dress parade on the Givhan Parade Field in honor of Seay, Harold E. Wilson, a deceased Marine platoon sergeant who served in Korea, and William P. Screws, who fought in four major engagements and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general.
Seay was born in Brewton on Oct. 24, 1948. Almost 20 years later, in August 1968, he distinguished himself while serving as a driver with the 62nd Transportation Company on a supply mission near Ap Nhi, Republic of Vietnam. The convoy, carrying critically needed ammunition and supplies from Long Binh to Tay Ninh, was ambushed by a large enemy force.
Reacting to the attack, Seay immediately took up a defensive position under his truck, which was loaded with highly-explosive ammunition. He repeatedly exposed himself while firing his rifle and tossing grenades back at the enemy.
Before being mortally wounded by sniper fire, Sgt. Seay had accounted for the deaths of 10 enemy men.
His induction into the Alabama Hall of Honor is only the latest in the honors awarded to Seay. In 1969, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.
Seay was recognized by the Brewton American Legion Post 79 with a ceremony in 1996 when a plaque recognizing his service was placed at his grave site at Weaver Cemetery.
American Legion Commander Joe Dozier said that Seay is the only person from support ever awarded the Medal of Honor.
An Army Reserve transportation unit in Mobile is named for Seay as is a naval transport vessel.
Seay lived in Brewton as a child and later moved to Florida where he attended Tate High School.