Medal of Honor: Harold A. Fritz – Vietnam War – Binh Long Province – January 1969

Name: Harold A. Fritz
Rank: Captain (then First Lieutenant)
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment
Place: Binh Long Province, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Born: Chicago, Illinois

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Summary of Action

On 11 January 1969, Captain Harold A. Fritz was serving as a platoon leader with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, leading a seven-vehicle armored column along Highway 13 near Quan Loi. The mission was to rendezvous with and escort a truck convoy when the column was suddenly struck by intense crossfire from a reinforced enemy company positioned in a well-prepared ambush.

During the opening moments of the attack, Captain Fritz’s vehicle was hit, and he was seriously wounded. Recognizing that his platoon was surrounded, heavily outnumbered, and in immediate danger of being overrun, Captain Fritz climbed onto the top of his burning vehicle and took command of the fight. Ignoring his wounds, he moved repeatedly through open ground under direct enemy fire, repositioning vehicles, directing fires, distributing ammunition, aiding the wounded, and rallying his men.

When a determined enemy assault threatened to overrun the platoon’s position, Captain Fritz manned a machine gun and delivered devastating fire that shattered the attack. Moments later, a second enemy force advanced to within just meters of the defensive perimeter. Armed only with a pistol and bayonet, Captain Fritz led a small group of soldiers in a bold counterattack, routing the enemy and inflicting heavy casualties.

After a relief force arrived, Captain Fritz observed that it was not deploying effectively. Once again exposing himself to intense enemy fire, he moved forward to personally direct the relief unit’s maneuver, forcing the enemy to abandon the ambush site and withdraw. Only after ensuring that all of his wounded soldiers had been treated and evacuated did Captain Fritz allow himself to receive medical attention.

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Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Capt. (then 1st Lt.) Fritz distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader with Troop A near Quan Loi. While leading a 7-vehicle armored column along Highway 13 to meet and escort a truck convoy, the column came under intense crossfire from a reinforced enemy company deployed in ambush positions. In the initial attack Capt. Fritz’s vehicle was hit and he was seriously wounded. Realizing that his platoon was completely surrounded, vastly outnumbered, and in danger of being overrun, Capt. Fritz leaped to the top of his burning vehicle and directed the positioning of his remaining vehicles and men.

With complete disregard for his wounds and personal safety, he ran from vehicle to vehicle in full view of enemy gunners to reposition his men, improve the defense, assist the wounded, distribute ammunition, direct fire, and encourage his soldiers. When a strong enemy force assaulted the position, Capt. Fritz manned a machine gun and inspired his men to deliver intense fire which broke the assault. Moments later a second enemy force advanced to within 2 meters of the position. Armed only with a pistol and bayonet, Capt. Fritz led a fierce charge which routed the attackers.

When a relief force arrived, Capt. Fritz again exposed himself to heavy fire to direct its deployment, forcing the enemy to withdraw. Despite his wounds, he refused medical attention until all wounded comrades had been treated and evacuated. Capt. Fritz’s extraordinary courage and selflessness at repeated risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect the greatest credit upon himself, his unit, and the Armed Forces.