Vietnam vet loses dog, war medals in mobile home fire

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — A community in Caldwell County is coming together to help a Vietnam veteran who lost everything in a fire.

The fast-moving fire destroyed Bill Wiseman’s mobile home Friday on Lowell Lane near Hudson.

Wiseman escaped the fire, but his dog died in the inferno.

“When that explosion went, it blew flames and smoke,” he said. “I barely got out. It happened so fast.”

The fire consumed two Purple Hearts he received after being shot twice in the line of duty.

A Silver Star and Bronze Star he got while serving as a U.S. Army airborne ranger was also destroyed in the blaze.

Three volunteer fire departments were called in to fight the fire because of the warmer temperatures.

The Red Cross was called to the scene to help Wiseman. His neighbor, Bill Corley is helping Wiseman by providing food, clothes and a camper to stay in.

Officials believe the fire started in the kitchen and was accidental.

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