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TO REMEMBER AND COMMEND THE HEROIC ACTS OF CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT SERGEANT FIRST CLASS WEBSTER ANDERSON OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY WHO RISKED HIS LIFE ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY TO DEFEND HIS COUNTRY IN THE HIGHEST TRADITION OF MILITARY SERVICE.
Whereas, Sergeant First Class Webster Anderson of Fairfield County distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as chief of section in Battery A, 2d Battalion, 320th Artillery, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), against a hostile force; and
Whereas, during the early morning hours of October 15, 1967, in Tam Ky, Republic of Vietnam, Battery A's defensive position was attacked by a North Vietnamese Army infantry unit. 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 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 enabled his men to maintain the defense of their position and to defeat the oppressing forces; and
Whereas, for his heroism he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor on November 24, 1969; and
Whereas, the members of the General Assembly, by this resolution, would like to pause in their deliberations to remember and salute Sergeant First Class Anderson's gallantry and extraordinary heroism during his service to our nation as a member of the United States Army. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina remember and commend the heroic acts of Sergeant First Class Webster Anderson of Fairfield County who risked his life above and beyond the call of duty to defend his country in the highest traditions of military service.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant First Class Webster Anderson.
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