From Medal of Honor Citations for the Vietnam War:
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.
Webster Anderson survived, but lost both his legs and part of one arm. He passed away in 2003 at age 70 and rests in the cemetery of Blackjack Baptist Church in his home town of Winnsboro, SC.
Never forget that we are the land of the free because of the brave!
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