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The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Gregory J. Peters, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company E, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), on 1 April 1970, in the Republic of Vietnam. When Fire Support Base Illingworth came under heavy rocket, mortar and ground attack, First Lieutenant Peters, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, immediately engaged the enemy with small arms fire and fragmentation grenades. Continuously exposing himself to hostile fire, he moved along the perimeter directing the fire of his men and checking the wounded. After carrying a wounded man to the aid station, he moved to another sector and helped to direct their defense. Returning to his sector he led his men in thwarting the enemy attack as sappers approached the berm in force. He engaged the hostiles with small arms, grenades and with hand-to-hand combat. Even when wounded he refused to leave his post and continued to direct the fires of his men until the enemy attack was repelled. and the fire support base secured. First Lieutenant Gregory J. Peters’ gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Second Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    2d Battalion (Airmobile)

    Regiment:

    8th Cavalry Regiment

    Division:

    1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

    Action Date:

    August 27, 1969
    Headquarters, 1st Cavalry Division, General Orders No. 4336 (March 24, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Gregory J. Peters, United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airmobile), 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in the Republic of Vietnam. Second Lieutenant Peters distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 27 August 1969,while serving as Platoon Leader in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. When the third platoon came under heavy fire from an estimated platoon of enemy soldiers, the initial blast of fire wounded two men. With his platoon pinned down, Second Lieutenant Peters immediately returned fire and started directing his men in putting effective fire on the enemy positions. During the engagement, an enemy grenade exploded near the seriously wounded soldier. Second Lieutenant Peters crawled under the heavy fire to the front where the wounded man lay. While enemy rounds continued to impact and with little cover, he applied first aid, and moved the man to safety. After giving aid to the wounded man, he returned forward to continue directing support fires of artillery helicopter gunships and his men. His gallant action is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.