John THOMAS Anderson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star Medal to John Thomas Anderson (21903181), Master Sergeant, U.S. Army, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam in May 1971. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions and propaganda materials. Master Sergeant Anderson resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which demonstrated great devotion to duty and country in accord with the finest traditions of the military services.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John Thomas Anderson (21903181), Master Sergeant [then Sergeant First Class], U.S. Army, for gallantry and intrepidity in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Detachment Number 5, American Forces Television Station, Hue, South Vietnam, American Forces Radio-Television Network, South Vietnam, Military Advisory Command, Republic of Vietnam, on 2 February 1968, during the Communist “Tet Offensive.” When the enemy (North Vietnamese Regulars) attempted a sneak armed attack upon the quarters housing Detachment Number 5 personnel at Number 6 Tran Duc Street, Hue, Master Sergeant Anderson, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the detachment, without hesitancy, courageously took an uncovered position in the quarters living room. Armed with a shotgun he defended this position for more than 16 hours against several enemy attempts to gain entry into the house. During this period he was severely wounded by enemy grenade fire and was under constant exposure to enemy small arms fire. Throughout the ensuing battle, Sergeant First Class Anderson was instrumental in warding off several enemy attempts to overrun the detachment’s position. He personally was responsible for inflicting deadly fire on the attacking enemy forces, thereby rendering a demoralizing effect on the attacking enemy force. His position was later overrun and he was held as a Prisoner of War until his release on 5 March 1973. Master Sergeant Anderson’s heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the services and reflect great credit on himself and the United States Army.