October 15, 2004

Oroville Mercury-Register
August 9,1967

MEDAL AWARDED
Airman Hafstein (Haddi) Siggeirsson, son of Steini Siggeirsson of Oroville and Gyda Siggeirsson of Iceland, has been awarded the Air Medal for Heroism for service as a helicopter door gunner in Vietnam. The citation presented the former Oroville High student indicates he stood off a superior enemy force while his helicopter crew landed in an exposed area to rescue a patrol pinned down at a rescue zone. Siggeirsson joined the air force in September of 1965. His wife, Barbara and their son, Allen, live in Oroville. Not quite what happened, see below-S.S.

The citation reads:
”HEADQUARTERS 9^TH INFANTRY DIVISION 29 September 1967. AWARD OF THE SOLDIER’S MEDAL SIGGEIRSSON, HAFSTEIN JR. SPECIALIST FOUR E4, United States Army, Troop D, 3^rd Squadron 5^th Cavalry, 9^th Infantry Division, APO 96370
Awards: Soldier’s Medal, Date action, 3May 1967, Theater; Republic of Vietnam Reason: For heroism not involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: SPECIALIST FOUR SIGGEIRSSON distinguished himself on 3 May 1967, while serving as a door gunner aboard a UH-1D helicopter that was making its landing approach to Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam. Alertly observing a helicopter crash near him, Specialist Siggeirsson immediately sprinted toward the blazing wreckage. As he approached, the fuel supply aboard the damaged aircraft erupted in flames. In complete disregard for his own safety, Specialist Siggeirsson entered the searing blaze and began to extract the wounded comrades. At that moment, the aircraft’s cargo of TNT, grenades and small arms began to detonate. Everyone in the vicinity ran for safety, but Specialist Siggeirsson, braving a hail of flying shrapnel and bullets, continued courageously to retrieve the injured soldiers. He remained inside the flaming, exploding wreckage until all personnel were removed. Specialist Four Siggeirsson’s personal bravery and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9^th Infantry Division and the United State Army. Authority: By direction of the President under the provision of the Act of Congress, approved 2 July 1926. Official: N. W. Kendall, Colonel, GS Chief of Staff, Signed Rome D. Smith, MAJ, AGC Asst. AG.

Stu’s Notes:
I don’t remember who gave me the story on Sgt Siggeirsson (hope they let me know) In my eyes he’s quite a hero. Our young men fought and died in Vietnam and to me they’re all hero’s, they were fighting for that country’s freedom. It is sad that when we left, for political reason’s, South Vietnam couldn’t win their own freedom. Nov. 11^th Veterans Day Parade The Armistice was signed on the 11^th month, the 11^th day and the 11^th hour and the 11^th minute in 1918. This was the end of the War to End all Wars. So Oroville will have a parade from 5^th Ave down Montgomery Street passing the New Chamber of Commerce Office. To honor those men who went to war so long ago. They did their best and many went back to war along with their sons and daughters a short 20 some years later. Now these men of WWI are almost all gone. I heard about a year ago that only one lived in our north state and less that 3,000 were left in America. All would be over 100 years old now. As a young boy I remember when the last Civil War soldier died. I think it was in 1953-54. It reminds me of a long ago song, “Where have all the Soldiers gone?” and “When will we ever learn?” I guess until evil is removed from the face of the earth, and all can be free, we will still have to send our sons and daughters to war. Jim Hollingsworth is the man to see about the Parade. The Grand Marshall will be Mac McComus, who heads the Rescue Mission. It would be hard to find a Veteran who served his country any better than Mac. For many years he has been serving those down and out in the Oroville area.

“Help those who help you” Spaghetti and Show Saturday, October 23, 2004, Noon til 3:30pm.
The show is being organized by Patti Meyers and the Spaghetti lunch/dinner is being pulled together by Committee member Bill Fox. Thank you both for all of your hard work. This is a fundraiser for the Veterans Memorial Park. There will be lots of door prizes and raffle prizes. The Spaghetti and Show will be $6 for adults and $3.00 for children. For tickets call me at 533-8147. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Tickets will also be sold at the door and by other committee members.