Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
Vietnam War - U.S. Army
Webster Anderson
Details
- Rank: Sergeant First Class (rank at time of action: Staff Sergeant)
- Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
- Unit/Command:
Battery A, 2d Battalion, 320th Artillery,
101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) - Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
- Medal of Honor Action Date: October 15, 1967
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam
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-weapons 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, two 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.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Winnsboro, Fairfield County, South Carolina
- Awarded Posthumously: No
- Presentation Date & Details: November 24, 1969
The White House, presented by Pres. Richard M. Nixon - Born: July 15, 1933, Winnsboro, Fairfield County, SC, United States
- Died: August 30, 2003, Winnsboro, SC, United States
- Buried: Blackjack Baptist Church Cemetery (MH), Winnsboro, SC, United States