Robert Edward Hayhurst

Robert Edward Hayhurst (born February 2, 1941) served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during the Tet Offensive.
His award citation reads:
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant Robert Edward Hayhurst (ASN: RA-16972350), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the 1st Battalion, 525th Military Intelligence Group, in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant Hayhurst distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions from 30 January to 23 February 1968, while defending against the communist Tet Offensive in the city of Hue. North Vietnamese Army forces launched a coordinated series of devastating attacks throughout the city on 30 January, and Sergeant Hayhurst and his team were trapped in a house isolated from other friendly forces. After destroying vital intelligence materials in the team's possession, Sergeant Hayhurst distributed ammunition and weapons to other members and deployed them in defensive positions. Sniper fire severely wounded one of his men outside the house. Braving blazing machine gun and mortar fire, he dashed to his fallen comrade and dragged him to safety. Several fanatical enemy assaults reached point-blank range. He and his men successfully repulsed them with murderous fire until their ammunition was expended and they were captured. The team was taken to an enemy camp outside the city. For nineteen days, Sergeant Hayhurst searched for the opportunity to escape. On 19 February, he and twenty other prisoners began a march to another camp. After four days of travel, one of the guards became careless. Seizing the opportunity, Sergeant Hayhurst dashed into the jungle and fought through densely vegetated terrain to his own lines. Intelligence materials he provided proved highly valuable in tracing the activities of enemy units in the area. Sergeant Hayhurst's gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Hayhurst was born on February 2, 1941 in New Richmond, Wisconsin.

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