Medal of Honor: Sergeant Lawrence David Peters, Vietnam War, September 4, 1967

Sergeant Lawrence David Peters

Vietnam War – September 4, 1967 – Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam

Sometimes leadership is measured not by rank but by the willingness to stand tall in the storm. Sergeant Lawrence David Peters did just that during Operation SWIFT, when his squad came under withering enemy fire. Refusing cover, he rallied his Marines through sheer courage, sacrificing his own life to keep the fight alive.

Rank and Organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company M, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division
Place and Date: Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, 4 September 1967
Entered Service At: Binghamton, N.Y.
Born: 16 September 1946, Johnson City, N.Y.

Summary of Action

In the chaos of Operation SWIFT, the 2d Platoon of Company M was struck by intense mortar, machine gun, and small-arms fire from a fortified enemy. Peters, a squad leader, placed himself in the open under a storm of incoming rounds, pointing out enemy positions and urging his men forward. Wounded in the leg, he refused to stop, pressing the attack. When his squad faltered under the weight of overwhelming fire, Peters rose again, consolidating their line and directing fire until mortar shrapnel tore into his face and neck. Even then, with his body shattered by repeated wounds, he kept fighting—standing tall in full view of the enemy to force them to reveal their positions. Only after being struck fatally did he fall. His determination inspired his squad to regain momentum and carry the assault against the enemy, turning the tide of the fight.

Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company M. During Operation SWIFT, the marines of the 2d Platoon of Company M were struck by intense mortar, machinegun, and small arms fire from an entrenched enemy force. As the company rallied its forces, Sgt. Peters maneuvered his squad in an assault on any enemy defended knoll. Disregarding his safety, as enemy rounds hit all about him, he stood in the open, pointing out enemy positions until he was painfully wounded in the leg. Disregarding his wound, he moved forward and continued to lead his men. As the enemy fire increased in accuracy and volume, his squad lost its momentum and was temporarily pinned down. Exposing himself to devastating enemy fire, he consolidated his position to render more effective fire. While directing the base of fire, he was wounded a second time in the face and neck from an exploding mortar round. As the enemy attempted to infiltrate the position of an adjacent platoon, Sgt. Peters stood erect in the full view of the enemy firing burst after burst forcing them to disclose their camouflaged positions. Sgt. Peters steadfastly continued to direct his squad in spite of 2 additional wounds, persisted in his efforts to encourage and supervise his men until he lost consciousness and succumbed. Inspired by his selfless actions, the squad regained fire superiority and once again carried the assault to the enemy. By his outstanding valor, indomitable fighting spirit and tenacious determination in the face of overwhelming odds, Sgt. Peters upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.