Artillery, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), against a hostile force; and Whereas, during the early morning hours Battery A’s defensive position was attacked by a 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; and Whereas, Sergeant First Class 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. Sergeant 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; and Whereas, while protecting his crew and directing their fire against the enemy force 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, Sergeant Anderson propped himself on the parapet and continued to direct howitzer fire upon the closing enemy and encouraged his men to fight on; and Whereas, seeing an enemy grenade land within the gun pit near a wounded member of his gun crew, Sergeant 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 it exploded and Sergeant Anderson was again grievously wounded; and Whereas, although only partially conscious and severely wounded, Sergeant Anderson refused medical evacuation and continued to encourage his men in defense of their positions; and Whereas, Sergeant Anderson’s 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; and Whereas, Sergeant gallantry and extraordinary heroism Anderson’s at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the
Artillery, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), against a hostile force; and Whereas, during the early morning hours Battery A’s defensive position was attacked by a 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; and Whereas, Sergeant First Class 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. Sergeant 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; and Whereas, while protecting his crew and directing their fire against the enemy force 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, Sergeant Anderson propped himself on the parapet and continued to direct howitzer fire upon the closing enemy and encouraged his men to fight on; and Whereas, seeing an enemy grenade land within the gun pit near a wounded member of his gun crew, Sergeant 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 it exploded and Sergeant Anderson was again grievously wounded; and Whereas, although only partially conscious and severely wounded, Sergeant Anderson refused medical evacuation and continued to encourage his men in defense of their positions; and Whereas, Sergeant Anderson’s 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; and Whereas, Sergeant Anderson’s gallantry and extraordinary heroism at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the