Vernon graduated from HHS in '61, and sometime later moved with his family to East Lansing. He later joined the US Army during the Viet-Nam War. He trained as a Combat Medic, and was eventually assigned to the 3d Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

He wasn't "in country" long before the Communist Tet Offensive began on 31 January 1968. On that day, Vernon's unit rushed to aid in the defense of the Tan Son Nhut AFB on the outskirts of Saigon. They were heavily attacked by North Viet-Namese regular army forces. While rendering emergency aid to his fellow soldiers, Vernon suffered severe wounds and died almost instantly.

For his unselfish heroism, Vernon Wilderspin, HHS '61, was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DFC) for heroism. The DFC is second only to the Congressional Medal of Honor. Vernon's unselfish acts of heroism saved the lives of his fellow Americans, but at the cost of his own life.