Gender

Male

Birth date

1947-6-22

Place of birth

Lihue, Kauai HI, U.S.A.

Inducted

1967-2-19,

Enlistment type

Volunteer

Service branch

Army

Service type

War

Unit type

Combat

Units served

Co. A, 4th Engineering Battalion, 4th Infantry Division

Military specialty

Demolition Specialist

Stationed

USA - Ft. Ord, CA; Ft. Leonard Wood, MI; Ft. Riley, KS; Vietnam

Separated

Ft. Riley KS

Unit responsibility

Support for 4th Infantry Division

Personal responsibility

Clearing trees for landing zones and advance fire bases.

Major battles (if served in a war zone)

TET Offensive, March 1968.

Awards, medals, citations (individual or unit)

Bronze Star w/V for heroism in connection with military operations against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Shigeta distinguished himself while serving as an Engineer with Company A, 4th Engineering Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. On 26 March, 1968, the 3d Battalion Fire Support Base came under a heavy enemy ground, rocket and mortar attack. Specialist Shigeta's bunker was located on the main perimeter of defense in front of the enemy's avenue of attack. Specialist Shigeta immediately laid down a heavy base of suppressive fire on the insurgents, despite the intense barrage of incoming mortar and rocket rounds. Although numerous enemy wave attacks were halted, a few made it inside the perimeter, causing the bunkers on the left and right of Speciallist Shigeta to concentrate their automatic weapons fire on Specialist Shigeta's position. Specialist Shigeta held his position until friendly incoming rounds entered the bunker making it necessary for him and his fellow soldiers to abandon the position. The next morning a body count revealed a large number of mortally wounded enemy in front of Specialist Shigeta's position. The brave actions of specialist Shigeta were inspirational and contributed greatly in repulsing the enemy attacks. Specialist Five Shigeta's personal bravery, determination and exemplary devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himslf, his unit and the United States Army.

National Defense Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal T.W.O. Overseas Bar; Expert (Rifle)

Living conditions

Wet and humid, sleeping in the ground, bathe in rain or streams, C-rations, clean uniforms every two week (if possible) ; played poker

Most vivid memory of military experience

Being called child killer at airport by protesters.

Missed most whilst in the military

Nothing

Most important thing, personally, to come from military experience?

Glad to have served my country in time of war.