Shadow box

Vietnam Vet
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Vernon Charles Wilderspin (US54959220), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop B, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Wilderspin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 as medical aidman for an armor platoon on a combat mission near Tan Son Nhut Air Base. His unit was moving to engage a combined Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army force which had attacked the air base. It was suddenly subjected to intense automatic weapons and anti-tank rocket fire from the numerically superior enemy. Specialist Wilderspin unhesitantly leaped from his armored personnel carrier to administer first aid to wounded comrades. Exposing himself to a devastating curtain of hostile fire, he gallantly moved throughout the raging battlefield to conduct his lifesaving mission. After aiding many casualties, including his seriously wounded platoon leader, Specialist Wilderspin saw his platoon sergeant lying helplessly wounded in an open area. With a hail of enemy bullets striking all around him, he fearlessly raced to the side of his smitten comrade and performed skillful emergency medical treatment which saved the man's life. Just as he had finished tending the platoon sergeant's wounds, Specialist Wilderspin was hit by the withering hostile fire and instantly killed. Specialist Four Wildersin's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, 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, US Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 1841 (April 20, 1968)
Home Town: East Lansing, Michigan

May 23, 2008

Garnet Jenkins
garijen@bresnan.net
Grand Junction Co
~ Rest In Peace, Young Hero ~

In Remembrance of SP4 Vernon Charles Wilderspin, with a Multitude of Thanks for his Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom. Rest well and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I am the sister of such a young hero, who also made the Supreme Sacrifice in Vietnam in 1967....."THOSE WHO HAVE LONG ENJOYED SUCH PRIVILEGES AS WE ENJOY, FORGET IN TIME, THAT MEN HAVE DIED TO WIN THEM." Franklin D. Roosevelt
Mar 7, 2008

Manuel Pino Jr
mpjr54@msn.com
Fellow Medic
MY COUNTRY'S FLAG CRIED the flag bowed it's bars and wept starry tears as it hung at half-mast for a soldier's years. another youth it had called and another youth had died. I stood and i watched as my country's flag cried. it clothed the drab coffin in it's red, white, and blue, silently protecting the contents for the comfort of a few. it brought strength to some, to others, bitter pride. but as mourners filed by, my country's flag cried. as it rode to the field where the soldier was laid away, the flag recalled the pledge that he used to stand and say, but to war he went and to keep that pledge, he tried. as the guns fired their last salute, my country's flag cried. as taps rang out, it was folded with care, for the soldier's soul a chaplin whispered a prayer. he asked god for peace in this world to abide, and in a grieving mother's arms my country's flag cried!
Thursday, June 30, 2005

Patrick Pond
ppond@charter.net
Knew family and Vietnam Vet
487 Cherryview Drive
Portage, mi 49024 USA
Your not forgotten your family still miss you!
Vern, We never met but your mother and I talked about you and how much was lost in your death. But your bravery under fire and saving the lives you save are forever thankful. The nations DSR is just a small gesture to what you gave. It was an honor to be a part of your color guard. God Bless see you in heaven someday. PJ. Pond
Friday, November 11, 2005

CITATION FOR POSTHUMOUS RECIPIENT OF

THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS

SPECIALIST FOURTH CLASS

VERNON CHARLES WILDERSPIN

served with

Troop B

3d Squadron

4th Cavalry

25th Infantry Division

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Vernon Charles Wilderspin (US54959220), Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Troop B, 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division. Specialist Four Wilderspin distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 31 January 1968 as medical aidman for an armor platoon on a combat mission near Tan Son Nhut Air Base. His unit was moving to engage a combined Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army force which had attacked the air base. It was suddenly subjected to intense automatic weapons and anti-tank rocket fire from the numerically superior enemy. Specialist Wilderspin unhesitantly leaped from his armored personnel carrier to administer first aid to wounded comrades. Exposing himself to a devastating curtain of hostile fire, he gallantly moved throughout the raging battlefield to conduct his lifesaving mission. After aiding many casualties, including his seriously wounded platoon leader, Specialist Wilderspin saw his platoon sergeant lying helplessly wounded in an open area. With a hail of enemy bullets striking all around him, he fearlessly raced to the side of his smitten comrade and performed skillful emergency medical treatment which saved the man's life. Just as he had finished tending the platoon sergeant's wounds, Specialist Wilderspin was hit by the withering hostile fire and instantly killed. Specialist Four Wildersin's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, 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, US Army, Vietnam

General Orders No. 1841 ( 20 April 1968 )

THE PROUD YOUNG VALOR THAT ROSE ABOVE THE MORTAL

AND THEN, AT LAST, WAS MORTAL AFTER ALL

YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

NOR SHALL YOU EVER BE

1 AUGUST 1999

Wilderspin, Vernon Charles, SP 4