THE WALL OF FACES

Donald Ernest Heggan
Date of birth: 17-Aug-44
Date of death: July 20, 1968
Home of record: Hammonton New Jersey
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star


Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Donald Ernest Heggan (ASN: 0-5342055), United States Army, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in action on 20 July 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. On that date, Lieutenant Heggan was serving as a Platoon Leader with his unit during a platoon size combat patrol near the Song Be River. As the men proceeded toward their objective area, they were suddenly subjected to rocket and automatic weapons fire by a large Viet Cong force. Lieutenant Heggan immediately advanced to the point of heaviest enemy contact, and braving the hail of hostile rounds, deployed his men into good firing positions. He continuously moved from one position to another to encourage his men and personally direct their fire on the insurgents for maximum effectiveness. As a result of his competent leadership, the initial enemy assault was effectively repelled and the Viet Cong suffered numerous casualties. Lieutenant Heggan observed a member of his platoon lying wounded in an open area, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he maneuvered through the concentrated hostile fire to aid his comrade. As he was moving the individual to a protected location Lieutenant Heggan was mortally wounded by shrapnel from an impacting enemy rocket. His extraordinary example of selfless courage and initiative inspired the members of his platoon to continue fighting vigorously through a second Viet Cong assault which was repelled at great cost to the insurgents. First Lieutenant Heggan's unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 7901 (August 6, 1968)

Action Date: 20-Jul-68

Service: Army

Rank: First Lieutenant

Company: Company B

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 16th Infantry Regiment

Division: 1st Infantry Division

Dear 1LT Donald Ernest Heggan, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

*

Donald is buried at Greenmount Cem, Blue Anchor, NJ. His military stone says CO B, 16 INF, 1 INF DIV. SS BSM PH

I AM A COUSIN OF DONALD HEGGAN AND I ATTENDED HIS FUNERAL IN 1968 WHEN I WAS 14 YEARS OLD. I REMEMBER WELL THE SENSE OF LOSS IN THE FAMILY AND THE FACT THAT HIS PARENTS HAD LOST THEIR ONLY SON. I RODE IN THE CAR TO THE CEMETERY WITH HIS MATERNAL GRANDMOTHER ANNIE ROUSE. DONALD WAS A HERO AND A PATRIOT. SEMPER FIDELIS MEMORY ETERNAL