|
07 Apr 2007
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
Headquarters 101st Airborne Division
APO San Francisco 96383
7 February 1969
GENERAL ORDERS
NUMBER 1345
AWARD OF THE SILVER STAR (POSTHUMOUS)
1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced.
HERINGHAUSEN, ARTHUR J. JR. RA11707118 SP4 US Army
Co F, 58th Infantry (Long Range Patrol) APO San Francisco 96383
| Awarded: |
The Silver Star (Posthumous) |
| Date action: |
20 November 1968 |
| Theater: |
Republic of Vietnam |
| Reason: |
For gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam on 20 November 1968. Specialist Four Heringhausen distinguished himself while serving as a member of a Long Range Patrol on combat operations in the Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 1130 hours, the twelve man team heard voices of an approaching North Vietnamese unit and immediately set up an ambush. As the enemy moved into the kill zone the ambush was sprung, and Specialist Heringhausen poured a steady volume of M-16 fire into the area. The result of this action by the team was a body count of nine enemy killed with no friendly casualties. After this action the team moved 110 meters away for concealment, and the decision was made to extract the team. As the first man moved toward the pick-up zone he was seriously wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. Specialist Heringhausen immediately laid down a heavy volume of suppressive fire, so that the injured man could be pulled back into the hastily established perimeter. In doing so, Specialist Heringhausen continuously exposed himself to the enemy fire by firing from a kneeling position in order to make his fire more effective. As a medical evacuation helicopter arrived and was pulling the wounded man through the thick jungle canopy on a jungle penetrator, the enemy attacked with an estimated platoon sized element. Again with complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Heringhausen knelt in an exposed position to deliver automatic fire until the enemy assault was broken. Just as the enemy was retreating, a large Chinese Communist Claymore Mine exploded sending fragments into his body, killing him instantly. Through his valorous efforts the lives of many of his fellow soldiers were saved, and heavy casualties were inflicted upon the enemy. Specialist Four Heringhausen's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
|
| Authority: |
By direction of the President of the United States under the provisions of the Act of Congress established 9 July 1918.
|
FOR THE COMMANDER:
L. L. MOWERY
Colonel, GS
Chief of Staff
OFFICIAL:
DALE H. HAYES
LTC, AGC
Adjutant General
|
BY DIRECTION OF THE PRESIDENT THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL
(POSTHUMOUS)
IS PRESENTED TO
SPECIALIST FOUR ARTHUR J. HERINGHAUSEN, JR., UNITED STATES ARMY
For distinguishing himself by outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period
21 July 1968 to 20 November 1968.
Through his untiring efforts and professional ability, he consistently obtained outstanding results. He was quick to grasp the implications of new problems with which he was faced as a result of the ever changing situations inherent in a counterinsurgency operation and to find ways and means to solve those problems. The energetic application of his extensive knowledge has materially contributed to the efforts of the United States Mission to the Republic of Vietnam to assist that country in ridding itself of the communist threat to its freedom. His initiative, zeal, sound judgment and devotion to duty have been in the highest tradition of the United States Army and reflect great credit on him and on the military service.
|
Photos and Citations provided by
Jerry Eversman
Oregon, Ohio
jeversman@aol.com
|
