Arthur J. Heringhausen, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Arthur J. Heringhausen, Jr. (RA-11707118), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company F (LRRP), 58th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 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.
Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division, General Orders No 1345 (February 7, 1969)