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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Peter Louis Hilgartner (MCSN: 0-51942), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the First Battalion, FIFTH Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 15 September 1966 to 1 October 1967. Throughout this period, Lieutenant Colonel Hilgartner performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Exhibiting sound judgment and dedication, he constantly strived to provide his men with the best possible training and guidance. His untiring efforts to improve the combat readiness of his battalion were reflected in its effectiveness and success on the battlefield during fourteen major operations and numerous search and destroy missions. Operating from a combat base on Hill 54 in the Chu Lai Tactical Area of Responsibility, Lieutenant Colonel Hilgartner led his battalion during Operations DESOTO and TIPPECANOE where his dynamic leadership and tactical skill resulted in clearing the area of organized enemy resistance. Participating in Operations UNION and UNION II, ADAIR and CALHOUN during May and June, he was constantly in the forefront of every engagement, positioning his men in order to utilize every advantage of supporting arms fire. Demonstrating exceptional military acumen and inspiring leadership when confronted with an estimated North Vietnamese Army regiment, he led his men in completely routing the larger force and terminated enemy control in Hiep Duc Valley. When the action had subsided, it was confirmed that one-fourth of the enemy had been killed and estimated that another one-fourth were killed or wounded. In conjunction with these operations, he established a new battalion combat base in the Que Son Valley. Located in an area completely surrounded by enemy forces, he succeeded in pacifying the valley so effectively that the local populace returned to homes vacated three years ago due to Viet Cong activities. Through his personal example, he inspired his men through the heaviest fighting, encouraging and directing them in such a manner that they consistently accomplished their missions despite the most adverse conditions. By his exceptional professional ability, leadership, versatility and loyal devotion to duty throughout, Lieutenant Colonel Hilgartner contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of the division’s mission and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Hilgartner is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Marine Corps

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    1st Battalion

    Regiment:

    5th Marines

    Division:

    1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF

    Action Date:

    September 4 – 6, 1967

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel Peter Louis Hilgartner (MCSN: 0-51942), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, First Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 and 6 September 1967. During Operation SWIFT in Quang Tin Province, the First Battalion was heavily engaged with a numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force which seriously threatened the integrity of the battalion. Realizing the gravity of the situation and aware that a large number of key officers had become casualties, Lieutenant Colonel Hilgartner responded with inspiring leadership, rallying his men to meet the inordinate demands placed upon them. With complete disregard for his own safety, he continually exposed himself to intense enemy fire by moving to the points of heaviest contact to assist subordinate leaders in the control of their men and direct the establishment of a perimeter to repel the fierce enemy attack. At one point when he detected a gap in the perimeter resulting from a banzai-type assault, Lieutenant Colonel Hilgartner unhesitatingly led a squad from Company B through heavy enemy fire to close the perimeter, thus restoring the lines and preventing enemy exploitation of the penetration. Continuously moving about the battlefield despite the hostile fire, he encouraged and directed his men and unit leaders until the enemy assault was repulsed. Throughout the intense fighting, Lieutenant Colonel Hilgartner’s keen judgment, exemplary bravery under fire and aggressive fighting spirit inspired his men and provided the impetus that led to his unit’s defeat of the enemy. By his superb leadership, bold initiative and unfailing devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Hilgartner upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.