Mike Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 Met him today, one of only 91 living MOH recipients. A good guy, no bluster. We need to remember stories like his, so I thought I'd share it. This is the narrative from his award: 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, Armor, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader with Troop A, near Quan Loi. Capt. Fritz was leading his 7-vehicle armored column along Highway 13 to meet and escort a truck convoy when the column suddenly came under intense crossfire from a reinforced enemy company deployed in ambush positions. In the initial attack, Capt. Fritz' 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 safety, he ran from vehicle to vehicle in complete view of the enemy gunners in order to reposition his men, to improve the defenses, to assist the wounded, to distribute ammunition, to direct fire, and to provide encouragement to his men. When a strong enemy force assaulted the position and attempted to overrun the platoon, Capt. Fritz manned a machine gun and through his exemplary action inspired his men to deliver intense and deadly fire which broke the assault and routed the attackers. Moments later a second enemy force advanced to within 2 meters of the position and threatened to overwhelm the defenders. Capt. Fritz, armed only with a pistol and bayonet, led a small group of his men in a fierce and daring charge which routed the attackers and inflicted heavy casualties. When a relief force arrived, Capt. Fritz saw that it was not deploying effectively against the enemy positions, and he moved through the heavy enemy fire to direct its deployment against the hostile positions. This deployment forced the enemy to abandon the ambush site and withdraw. Despite his wounds, Capt. Fritz returned to his position, assisted his men, and refused medical attention until all of his wounded comrades had been treated and evacuated. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Capt. Fritz, at the repeated risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty, 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. Link to comment
Polo Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 Ther's only one word to describe how I felt after reading that: HUMBLED. Link to comment
Dave C. Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 Ther's only one word to describe how I felt after reading that: HUMBLED. AMEN to that. Dave Link to comment
ArmyGuy Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 This is the type of hero I want my children to know. Link to comment
Paul Mihalka Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 This guy IS a hero. "Hero" is one of the most abused/misused words these days... Link to comment
EffBee Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 And when it comes time to chronicle his life, actions and accomplishments, another great American, Sean Penn, will earn $20 million playing him on screen. Seems fair, non? Link to comment
Polo Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 And when it comes time to chronicle his life, actions and accomplishments, another great American, Sean Penn, will earn $20 million playing him on screen. Seems fair, non? You're gonna hurt your cheek with your tongue. Link to comment
EffBee Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 And when it comes time to chronicle his life, actions and accomplishments, another great American, Sean Penn, will earn $20 million playing him on screen. Seems fair, non? You're gonna hurt your cheek with your tongue. Tru dat. Unfortunately they aren't making any Audie Murphy's any more. Link to comment
Polo Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 And when it comes time to chronicle his life, actions and accomplishments, another great American, Sean Penn, will earn $20 million playing him on screen. Seems fair, non? You're gonna hurt your cheek with your tongue. Tru dat. Unfortunately they aren't making any Audie Murphy's any more. At least he played himself, got the bucks and the girls. Not too bad an actor either. Link to comment
Tom R. Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 That's the kind of guy that should be seated next to the first lady at a state of the union address. Humbling indeed. Link to comment
Polo Posted March 5, 2010 Share Posted March 5, 2010 That's the kind of guy that should be seated next to the first lady at a state of the union address. Humbling indeed. The two Ft Hood LEOs showed similar grit. I'm sure you don't mean to say they did not deserve their seats. Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.