THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow soldiers. May you rest in eternal peace.

Henry Charles Biggerstaff
Date of birth: 26-Jul-47
Date of death: May 10, 1968
Home of record: Norfolk Virginia
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 Specialist Fourth Class Henry Charles Biggerstaff (ASN: US-52911841), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Specialist Fourth Class Biggerstaff distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, on 10 May 1968, while assigned to Battery B, 4th Battalion, 60th Artillery, I Field Force. On that date, Specialist Biggerstaff was serving as a gunner on a machine gun mount, quad .50, M-55, with an assigned mission of providing perimeter defense support to the 3d Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment. At approximately 0400 hours, a large North Vietnamese force advanced undetected to within a few yards of the perimeter and unleashed a furious attack with small arms fire and hand grenades. As the enemy forces advanced toward the perimeter bunkers, Specialist Biggerstaff and his fellow crew members rushed to man the machine gun mount. An enemy hand grenade wounded the two companions who were with Specialist Biggerstaff. With complete disregard for his own safety, he advanced alone through the heavy small arms fire and fragmentation from hand grenades and began to man the weapon without assistance. He released a barrage of fire at nearly point blank range which was so devastating that the enemy was forced to withdraw to the bunkers which they had already overrun. They then began to concentrate all of their efforts on the destruction of the machine gun position. When an enemy hand grenade exploded within the gun turret, Specialist Biggerstaff gave his life as a result of his valiant refusal to abandon his weapon. He had provided precious time in which the United States elements gained fire superiority over the enemy and thereby had saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. Specialist Biggerstaff's extraordinary heroism was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Headquarters, I Field Force, Vietnam, General Orders No. 505 (June 10, 1968)

Action Date: 10-May-68

Service: Army

Rank: Specialist Fourth Class

Company: Battery B

Battalion: 4th Battalion

Regiment: 60th Artillery

DAR SPEC 4 HENRY BIGGERSTAFF,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN AUTOMATIC WEAPONS CREWMAN WITH THE ARTILLERY SQUAD. ARTILLERYMEN WILL ALWAYS BE SPECIAL TO ME. WE JUST SPRANG AHEAD FOR DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME. YOU, AND THOSE LIKE YOU ARE THE BRIGHT LIGHT. IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. MANY OF US HAVE BEGUN OUR JOURNEY TO EASTER. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS

Dear SP4 Henry Charles Biggerstaff, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

"Butch" and I were good friends all during high school (Granby). He was my friend. I "found" him on the Wall in D.C. and cried as hard as I did when I first heard the news of his death. I know that God has blessed him