Many gathered as the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center unveiled a new exhibit spotlighting the life, service, and legacy of Medal of Honor Recipient Dwight W. Birdwell
The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center on Saturday unveiled a new exhibit spotlighting the life, service, and legacy of Medal of Honor Recipient Dwight W. Birdwell.
On Jan. 31, 1968 – during the opening day of the Tet Offensive, a massive and coordinated surprise attack by North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces on more than 100 cities and military targets – Specialist Birdwell’s unit moved to defend Tan Son Nhut Air Base, one of the offensive’s primary targets. When his tank commander was wounded, Specialist Birdwell exposed himself to intense enemy fire to rescue him and took command of the vehicle. From the open hatch he used the tank’s cannon and machine gun to hold back attackers, even after communications were destroyed. He continued fighting with his rifle, retrieved M-60 machine guns from a downed helicopter, and pressed on despite sustaining wounds to his face and torso. Specialist Birdwell rallied fellow soldiers, resupplied ammunition, and helped evacuate the wounded until he was ordered to seek medical attention.
A citizen of the Cherokee Nation, Specialist Birdwell served in both Korea and Vietnam before returning home to build a successful career in law and public service. In 2022, one of his Silver Stars was upgraded to the Medal of Honor – recognizing extraordinary bravery during combat in Vietnam.
The exhibit features deeply personal items, including his childhood stuffed animal "Coco," a selection of his favorite childhood books, and military decorations. In a nod to his heritage, the display also includes Cherokee cultural artifacts, reflecting his identity as one of only five Cherokee Medal of Honor Recipients.
“Dwight Birdwell’s story reminds us that Medal of Honor Recipients were once children – shaped by their communities, cultures, and values,” said Maranda Wilkinson, director of Education & Public Programming at the MOHHC. “This exhibit helps visitors, especially students, see that these heroes come from all walks of life.”
Specialist Birdwell traces his roots back to Tennessee and North Georgia, making his story especially meaningful to the region. Alongside his military honors, including two Silver Stars, a Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts, the exhibit highlights his distinguished legal career and decades of service to the Cherokee Nation.
The new exhibit is now open to the public. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.MOHHC.org.