The President of the United States
in the name of The Congress
takes pleasure in presenting the
Medal of Honor
to
FRITZ, HAROLD A.
Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Army, Troop A, 1st Squadron,
11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Place and date: Binh Long Province, Republic of
Vietnam, 11 January 1969. Entered service at: Milwaukee, Wis. Born: 21
February 1944, Chicago, 111.
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, 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 machinegun 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.
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