In April 2026, city staff received notification that St. Louis Park resident William (Bill) E. Davies had been awarded the prestigious 2026 Service Beyond Service Award from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. Davies is one of just 49 award recipients in 2026 and the only recipient in the State of Minnesota. In May, the St. Louis Park City Council passed a proclamation honoring the veteran.

Davies’ nomination for the Service Beyond Service Award includes mention of his outstanding career with the United States Army and his longstanding contributions to a remarkably varied group of numerous organizations following his military career.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) exists to collect the stories of veterans’ Vietnam service and award them for their efforts beyond their military service. Following their active service, veterans of the Vietnam Conflict notably served their communities through volunteerism, advocacy, professional distinction, public service and philanthropy.

Whereas William E. Davies (Bill) served in the U.S. Army from December 1967 to December 1969 including service with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam from May 1968 to May 1969 and earned the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service and the Army commendation medal for Meritorious service; and

Whereas Bill and his beloved wife Kay moved to St. Louis Park in April 1972, where they raised their family together; and

Whereas Bill has shared his leadership skills, invaluable time and wealth of experience with a plethora of community organizations following his military service; and

Whereas the main themes in Bill’s community work highlight his leadership and passion, which he shared with scouting, Catholic faith organizations, the St. Louis Park Rotary, the American Legion Post 282, the Voiture 1281 Veterans Organization, District 5950, the St. Louis Park Senior Center, the St. Louis Park Football Association for Youth, the St. Louis Park Little League and the VFW Post 435; and

Whereas the community of St. Louis Park will forever be grateful and proud of the indelible mark Bill’s service has made; and

Whereas William E. Davies was awarded the prestigious 2026 Vietnam Veterans Service Beyond Service Award on March 29, 2026,

Now therefore, let it be known that the mayor and city council of the City of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, hereby honor William E. Davies, forever memorializing and recognizing his contributions to the St. Louis Park community.