William Lawrence Nagle (4 June 1947 – 5 March 2002) was an Australian soldier, author, actor, and screenwriter. His first book, ''
The Odd Angry Shot'',
written after his return from the
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War (also known by #Names, other names) was a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. It was the second of the Indochina Wars and was officially fought between North Vie ...
and exit from the army,
traced the lives of a group of Australian soldiers from their departure from Australia, their rotation in South Vietnam, and return to Australia. The book was made into a
movie of the same name released in 1979
Military service
Nagle enlisted in the Australian Regular Army on 31 August 1964, as Private Nagle 38359.
After initial infantry training he attended the Army Basic Cooking Course in January 1965, qualifying as a cook in May 1965, and was assigned to the
Australian Army Catering Corps (AACC).
In March 1966 he was reassigned to the
SAS Regiment as cook. After attending the Cadre Course and qualifying in Navigation and Parachuting in April, Nagle was detached, in June 1966, to Squadron, deploying on 15 June from
RAAF Base Richmond
RAAF Base Richmond is a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) military air base located within the City of Hawkesbury, approximately North-West of the Sydney Central Business District in New South Wales, Australia. Situated between the towns of W ...
to Saigon, South Vietnam.
While in Vietnam, Nagle was found to have "Disobeyed a lawful command - Refused to cook egg custard", and was given fourteen days punishment and forfeiture of pay.
On 18 March 1967 Nagle returned to Australia from South Vietnam. At his request he was transferred from
AACC to Royal Australian Infantry, , in April 1967, where he was posted as a signaller. He was discharged from the Army on 12 September 1968 at his own request.
Books and screenplays
* ''
The Siege of Firebase Gloria
''The Siege of Firebase Gloria'' is a 1989 war film directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith, starring Wings Hauser and R. Lee Ermey. It was filmed in the Philippines.
Plot
At the start of the Tet Offensive, a Marine Long Range Reconnaissance unit le ...
'' - Screenplay, with Tony Johnston. Also known as ''Forward Firebase Gloria''. Publisher: International Film Management, 1987. Length 250 pages. Subjects: Tet Offensive, 1968. Vietnam War, 1961–1975
* ''
The Odd Angry Shot'' - Book.
* ''
Death of a Soldier
''Death of a Soldier'' is a 1986 Australian film based on the life of American serial killer Eddie Leonski. The film was shot using locations around Melbourne, Victoria.
The film is directed by Philippe Mora and stars James Coburn, Bill Hunte ...
'' - Screenplay.
References
External links
* Vietnam Service: http://www.vietnamroll.gov.au/Certificate.aspx?VeteranId=1276943
* Obituary: http://www.frontiersmen.org.au/nagle.htm
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nagle, William
1947 births
2002 deaths
Australian military personnel of the Vietnam War
Australian soldiers