Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion (Airborne)

    Regiment:

    502d Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    101st Airborne Division

    Action Date:

    March 31, 1968

    Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division, General Orders (September 13, 1968)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Dennis Keith Anderson (ASN: 0-99540), United States Army, for gallantry in action in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division on 31 March 1968. Captain Anderson distinguished himself while on a combat operation in the vicinity of Phu Bai, Republic of Vietnam. Captain Anderson’s company was moving through thick jungle to reach a landing zone for a vital re-supply when the lead platoon came under heavy automatic weapons fire from an entrenched enemy force of estimated platoon size. In the initial contact four casualties were sustained by the lead platoon. Captain Anderson, who was moving with the trail platoon, immediately moved to the front of the column and made a rapid appraisal of the situation. Controlling the movement of the Fourth Platoon to the right flank of the enemy positions, Captain Anderson, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, moved through the vicious hail of enemy fire to an exposed position where he effectively directed the armed helicopters towards the enemy positions and then called in the artillery. Once fire superiority was established, Captain Anderson moved with the Fourth Platoon and swept the entire area surrounding the landing zone. He then moved his command post to the landing zone and directed the evacuation of the wounded personnel. Captain Anderson’s outstanding display of gallantry in action and his 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.