ANDERSON, WEBSTER
Rank and organization: Sergeant
First Class, U.S. Army, Battery A, 2d Battalion, 320th Field
Artillery, 101st Airborne Infantry Division (Airmobile).
Place and date: Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam, 15 October
1967. Entered service at: Winnsboro, S.C. Born:
15 July 1933, Winnsboro, S.C.
Citation:
SFC. Anderson (then S/Sgt.), distinguished himself by
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as
chief of section in Battery A, against a hostile force. During
the early morning hours Battery A's defensive position was
attacked by a determined North Vietnamese Army infantry unit
supported by heavy mortar, recoilless rifle, rocket propelled
grenade and automatic weapon fire. The initial enemy onslaught
breached the battery defensive perimeter. SFC. Anderson, with
complete disregard for his personal safety, mounted the exposed
parapet of his howitzer position and became the mainstay of the
defense of the battery position. SFC. Anderson directed
devastating direct howitzer fire on the assaulting enemy while
providing rifle and grenade defensive fire against enemy
soldiers attempting to overrun his gun section position. While
protecting his crew and directing their fire against the enemy
from his exposed position, 2 enemy grenades exploded at his feet
knocking him down and severely wounding him in the legs. Despite
the excruciating pain and though not able to stand, SFC.
Anderson valorously propped himself on the parapet and continued
to direct howitzer fire upon the closing enemy and to encourage
his men to fight on. Seeing an enemy grenade land within the gun
pit near a wounded member of his gun crew, SFC. Anderson
heedless of his own safety, seized the grenade and attempted to
throw it over the parapet to save his men. As the grenade was
thrown from the position it exploded and SFC. Anderson was again
grievously wounded. Although only partially conscious and
severely wounded, SFC. Anderson refused medical evacuation and
continued to encourage his men in the defense of the position.
SFC. Anderson by his inspirational leadership, professionalism,
devotion to duty and complete disregard for his welfare was able
to maintain the defense of his section position and to defeat a
determined attack. SFC. Anderson's gallantry and extraordinary
heroism at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of
duty are in the highest traditions of the military service and
reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
