Museum: Wall of Valor honors Bauxite veterans
War. The Presidential Citation recognized Anderson for gallantry in action and distinguishing himself while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force.
He exposed himself continually to the vicious hail of enemy automatic weapons fire with complete disregard for his own safety in order to position his men, direct their fire and call in artillery support.
Although wounded and bleeding profusely with great pain, Anderson continued to expose himself and lead his men through the assaults. He would not allow himself to be evacuated until all of his wounded men were extracted and their position secure.
Anderson’s outstanding display of gallantry in action and devotion to duty are within the highest traditions of military service and reflect great service upon himself, his unit and the United States Army. Anderson’s other decorations and awards include The Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Master Army Aviator, Army Parachutist, Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with “V” Device and one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device and two Oak Leaf Clusters, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. In August 1988, Anderson retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with 22 years of military service.
The Silver Star was awarded to Cullum for actions during the Korean War. He was decorated with this award for action taken against enemy aggressor forces while acting as point man in a five man rescue party.
While searching for a casualty ridden patrol, Cullum skillfully located the stricken unit and proceeded to administer first aid to them while also discovering several Marines were missing. He fearlessly searched out the surrounding area despite the risk of possible capture or death.
When learning that the missing soldiers were secure, Cullum volunteered to search for a second rescue party and guide them to the patrol. Cullum assisted in evacuation of the casualties and also in carrying the wounded and their weapons. The Citation reads, “By Private First Class Cullum’s courageous initiative, resolute determination and selfless devotion to duty, he served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
Bennett received the Silver Star for actions during the U.S.S. Liberty incident on 8 June 1967. While engaged in peaceful operations in international waters, the U.S.S. Liberty was attacked without warning subjecting the ship to intense incendiary, machine gun and rocket fire.
Without hesitation and complete disregard for his own personal injury and safety, Bennett entered a compartment that had been demolished by torpedo explosion and brought to safety an officer who was severely burned and temporarily blinded. His aggressiveness and coolness under fire was exceptional, as was his inspirational leadership in an hour of awesome peril. Bennett’s initiative and courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
In addition to the Silver Star and Presidential Citation, Bennett also received a Purple Heart medal. Lieutenant Bennett retired from the Navy in 1978.
In 1966 as a Private First Class, Fisher was assigned to the Fourth
Air Commando Squadron as a loadmaster stationed in Vietnam. His heroics on a mission 18 December 1966 in Vung Tau, Vietnam, saved his life and those of his fellow Airmen aboard an AC-47. Their flight was releasing flares over a large area when Fisher noticed that one flare had been engaged accidentally beneath a full parachute inside the aircraft. Fisher had only ten seconds to react. He grabbed the parachute and threw it out with the flare only to have the parachute to jam beneath the door forcing him to hang out of the plane while holding on with one hand and cutting the lines of the parachute with the other. His quick action saved the lives of the entire crew as well as the aircraft by managing to toss out the prematurely engaged flare. His valorous actions earned him the Silver Star, the U.S. military’s thirdhighest award. Fisher was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1967 and again in 1968. After 22 years of service in the Air Force, Fisher retired in January 1977. He was inducted into the Arkansas Military Veterans Hall of Fame in 2014.
For actions during World War II while serving in Germany with the U.S. Army, Birmingham received the Silver Star award by direction of a Presidential Citation. His gallantry on 21 April 1945 was evident as lead scout successfully locating several prepared enemy positions which he engaged with rifle fire. Accompanied by few men, he worked his way into a neighboring enemy-held town to overcome the enemy. His heroic actions, far above and beyond the call of duty, exemplified the finest military traditions and reflected the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force,
The Military Wall of Honor at the Bauxite Museum originally began with the display of six photographs of Bauxite veterans. What was once a small grouping has now grown to over 188 photographs respectfully and uniformly displayed, reminding visitors to be thankful for all service members who have served or are serving our country.
They are indeed special and deserving of our appreciation.
There may be others now gracing the Military Wall of Honor whose records reveal action above and beyond the call of duty, but not yet made known to the Bauxite Museum volunteer staff.
Anyone having proof of a deserving Bauxite veteran’s decorations and awards making them eligible for the Wall of Valor, contact Ronnie Stuckey at the Bauxite Museum at 501-557-9858.