A Hero's Valor: The Story of Staff Sergeant Webster Anderson

On October 16, 1967, US Army Staff Sergeant Webster Anderson earned the Medal of Honor while serving in Tam Ky, Vietnam. The award citation reads as follows.

Staff Sergeant Anderson 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 North Vietnamese Army infantry unit supported by heavy mortar, rocket-propelled-grenade and automatic-weapons fire.

The initial onslaught breached the battery defensive perimeter. Sergeant Anderson, mounted the exposed parapet of his howitzer position and became the mainstay of the defense of the battery position.

Sergeant Anderson directed 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, two enemy grenades exploded at his feet knocking him down and severely wounding him in the legs.

Despite the excruciating pain and unable to stand, Sergeant Anderson valorously propped himself on the parapet and continued to direct howitzer fire upon the closing enemy.

Seeing an enemy grenade land within the gun pit near a wounded member of his gun crew, Sergeant Anderson seized the grenade and attempted to throw it over the parapet to save his men.

As the grenade was thrown, it exploded and Sergeant Anderson was again grievously wounded. Only partially conscious and severely wounded, Sergeant Anderson refused medical evacuation and continued to encourage his men.

Sergeant Anderson, by his inspirational leadership, professionalism, devotion to duty, and disregard for his welfare, was able to maintain the defense of his section position and to defeat a determined attack.

Sergeant Anderson's gallantry 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.

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