Webster Anderson

Deep wounds could not break his command of the howitzer pit.

Webster Anderson earned the Medal of Honor for defending his artillery position near Tam Ky, South Vietnam, on 15 October 1967. Severely wounded and unable to stand, he continued directing his gun crew and resisted evacuation while the position remained under attack.

Born in Winnsboro, South Carolina, on 15 July 1933, Anderson entered the United States Army in 1953 and became a career artilleryman. By 1967, he was a staff sergeant serving as a howitzer section chief in Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 320th Artillery, 101st Airborne Division.

Before dawn on 15 October, North Vietnamese infantry attacked the battery with supporting mortar, recoilless-rifle, rocket and automatic-weapons fire. When the attackers breached the perimeter, Anderson climbed onto the exposed parapet of his howitzer position. He directed artillery fire at close range while fighting with his rifle and grenades.

Two grenades exploded near his feet, severely wounding both legs. Unable to stand, he propped himself against the parapet and continued leading his crew. When another grenade landed beside a wounded gunner, Anderson seized it and attempted to throw it clear. It exploded during the throw, gravely wounding him again. Although only partly conscious, he continued encouraging his men until the attack was defeated.

Anderson survived, but lost both legs and part of his right arm. He was promoted to sergeant first class and medically retired. President Richard Nixon presented his Medal of Honor in the White House East Room on 24 November 1969.

His service to others continued in civilian life. After living in Philadelphia, Anderson returned to Winnsboro and remained involved with veterans and young people. He participated in the Lost Dreams–Veterans Against Drugs programme, helping bring messages against drugs and violence into schools. In 2000, he travelled to Pennsylvania for veterans’ events and joined an educational visit to Upper Dublin High School.

Anderson died on 30 August 2003, aged seventy, and was buried in Blackjack Baptist Church Cemetery near Winnsboro.