1,000 Man Ambush: SP5 Dwight W. Birdwell

Medal of Honor Podcast

On January 31st, 1968, Specialist 5 Dwight W. Birdwell and his troop were ordered to respond to an NVA attack on Tan Son Nhut Air Base. When the arrived on scene, they were ambushed by over 1,000 soldiers from either side of the road. Birdwell’s troop immediately took heavy casualties, including Birdwell’s tank commander. Under heavy fire, Birdwell got him out of the tank, onto the ground, and to a safe position before commandeering the tank. Standing in the hatch half exposed, Birdwell used the tank, a .50 caliber machine gun, a m60 machine gun, and his m16 rifle to fend off the attackers. Eventually something exploded in front of him, destroying his machine gun and sending shrapnel into his face, chest, arms, and hands. He then gathered a few other soldiers and took cover in the ditch beside the road. He was ordered to evacuate via a helicopter due to his wounds, but he snuck off the other side of the aircraft in order to stay and keep fighting. He then helped treat other wounded soldiers and continued engaging the enemy until reinforcements arrived. Only then did he finally agree to be evac’ed. Birdwell’s bravery and leadership was crucial to the defense of Tan Son Nhut, and directly led to an American victory. This NVA attack was one of several that marked the beginning of the Tet Offensive, which became one of the bloodiest periods in the Vietnam War.

Birwell’s commanding officer originally recommended him for the Medal of Honor, but that recommendation was sabotaged. In an act of racism, the events of January 31st were intentionally recorded incorrectly in order to prevent Birdwell from receiving the medal. Major chunks of Birdwell’s heroism were missing, and as a result, it was not originally upgraded.

Finally on July 5th, 2022, Dwight Birdwell was awarded the Medal of Honor for his leadership and tenacity under fire over 50 years prior. His other awards include two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and two Silver Stars.

You can read Birdwell's Medal of Honor Citation on the National Medal of Honor Museum website.