William B. Martin
54369827 E-4
Co A 1st Bn 28th Inf96345
United States Army
1965-1966

Purple Heart

    William (Hoppy) Boyd Martin was born 14 October 1945 in Wynne, Arkansas, the son of Thomas Luther and Evie Luker Martin.   He grew up in Cross County and was the youngest of twelve brothers and sisters: Thomas, Howard, Gene, R. L., Charlie, Agnes, Elizabeth, Catherine, Jo, Ann and Shelia.   Hoppy graduated Wynne High School in the Class of 1965.   He worked a short while at Addison Shoe Factory until he was inducted into the Army 19 October 1965 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
    Hoppy's summary of  his military life follows: "I received my basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia.   I went on to Fort Dix, New Jersey for advanced infantry training before leaving for Vietnam. I was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division and earned the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.   I was wounded in action 29 April 1966 and received the Purple Heart.   I was discharged 24 August 1966.   When I returned home I worked for a short while at Warwick in Forrest City, Arkansas.   I worked for Halstead Industries for 28 years and am now semi-retired."
    After his discharge, Hoppy was transferred to the U.S. Army Reserves and completed that obligation 18 October 1971.
    Hoppy married Linda Clark and they have two children: Kim and Chris.   Hoppy enjoys fishing and lives near Wynne.

                                                                5 July 2002 /12/