Sexo

Male

Fecha de Nacimiento

1947-6-22

Lugar de Nacimiento

Lihue, Kauai HI, U.S.A.

Inducted

1967-2-19,

Tipo de Alistamiento

Volunteer

Afiliación Militar

Army

Tipo de servicio prestado

War

Tipo de unidad militar

Combat

Unidades a las que sirvió

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

Especialidad militar

Demolition Specialist

Asignado

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

Retirado

Ft. Riley KS

Responsabilidad en la unidad

Support for 4th Infantry Division

Responsabilidad individual

Clearing trees for landing zones and advance fire bases.

Batallas principales (si sirvió en una zona de guerra)

TET Offensive, March 1968.

Reconocimientos, medallas, menciones (individuales o de la unidad)

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)

Condiciones de Vida

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

Recuerdo más vívido de la experiencia militar

Being called child killer at airport by protesters.

Lo que más extraño durante su tiempo en las fuerzas armadas

Nothing

¿En lo personal, qué obtuvo de su experiencia militar?

Glad to have served my country in time of war.