By Dr. Curtis Varnell
As we celebrate our national independence and remember the value and price of our freedom, we justifiably immortalize George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other national figures and the price that they paid. Too often we fail to remember the price paid in blood, sweat and tears by the common man, many of whom were raised in our own communities. The court houses of the Arkansas River Valley often have memorials to these men; sometimes even a list of the names of those who gave all for our country.
I remember him as a baby-faced kid in school, always running around with a big friendly smile on his face. Immediately after high school, he was sent to Vietnam. Working on a medical evacuation helicopter, he was up for the medal of valor. Ten days before his deployment was complete, he lost his life trying to evacuate solders that were ambushed and under fire. Nineteen years old with a world of promise and a head full of plans for himself, he gave his life for others.
On Memorial Day, my friend Bill Vanmeter called and asked for detail on a local man’s military history. Looking up the information, I was astounded. Wayne J. Sanders was born in 1948 and went to school, first in Charleston and then graduatedfrom County Line High. He entered the service in 1965 and was sent to Vietnam. He volunteered for four more tours and was on patrol in Binh Long province when his group came under fire. Following is the exact wording from his record.
“Staff Sergeant Sanders distinguished himself by gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 6 September 1969 while serving as a vehicle commander with Troop C, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date Troop C was conducting a reconnaissance mission when they were suddenly engaged by an unknown sized North Vietnamese Army force. Sergeant Sanders immediately maneuvered his vehicle to protect an exposed flank as the intense barrages of small arms, automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades continued to sweep the entire area. Sergeant Sanders placed a heavy volume of suppressive fire on the enemy positions and scattered several groups of soldiers attempting to flank the troop. As the assault continued, Sergeant Sanders continuously exposed himself to the hostile volleys and he fired his machine gun and direct his men who repeatedly repulsed attacks by the enemy. Suddenly he noticed an enemy rocket propelled grenade team preparing to fire on a vehicle, so he swung his machine gun around and started to fire. Unexpectedly the gun malfunctioned, so Sergeant Sanders grabbed his personal weapon and continued to engage the enemy, resulting in several enemy killed in action. He continued to engage the enemy when suddenly a rocket propelled grenade slammed into his vehicle, very critically wounding him. Despite his painful injuries, he jumped from the track, assaulting another group of North Vietnamese who were mounting an attack on his position. While engaging the enemy he lapsed into unconsciousness and died later from his wounds. Staff Sergeant Sanders’ gallant actions, total devotion to duty and complete disregard for his personal safety were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.”
Sergeant Sanders was presented nine commendations for his service, the last, the Silver Star, is the third highest commendation given in America.
Just two of many that I have encountered in life. The hero may have gone on, he or she maybe your next door neighbor, or the old gentleman in your church, but we have many heroes among us; the common hard-working men and women that make up our communities and sacrificed for our independence.
