Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Harold
Arthur
Fritz
February 21, 1944

–

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Armor)

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    May 18, 1968
    Headquarters, II Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 1669 (November 13, 1968(

    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 (Armor) Harold Arthur Fritz (ASN: 0-5247637), United States Army, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force on 18 May 1968 while serving as tank platoon leader with Company D, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Lieutenant Fritz’ tank was the lead vehicle for Company D when the unit became engaged in a heavy exchange of fire with a well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army battalion. Lieutenant Fritz immediately led his platoon on several assaults using his main gun to destroy numerous bunkers. When the main gun ammunition was expended, he fired his automatic weapon with deadly accuracy until it malfunctioned. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Fritz repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire as he hurled hand grenades into the North Vietnamese entrenchments. An enemy rocket round detonated against his tank, wounding him and he was ordered to the rear. He personally drove his vehicle to the evacuation area where he refused medical attention for himself and began supervising the evacuation of the other wounded personnel. When a tank arrived with its seriously wounded and disabled commander inside, Lieutenant Fritz directed the wounded commander’s evacuation and, despite his own painful wounds, mounted the tank and aggressively re-joined the battle. Lieutenant Fritz’ personal heroism and inspiring leadership set the example followed by his men and the rest of the unit. His extraordinary gallantry in close combat against a numerically superior North Vietnamese force resulted in 28 of the enemy slain. First Lieutenant Fritz’ valorous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

  • Medal of Honor

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Armor), [then First Lieutenant]

    Batallion:

    1st Squadron

    Regiment:

    11th Armored Cavalry Regiment

    Action Date:

    January 11, 1969
    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 15 (March 24, 1971)

    The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to Captain (Armor), [then First Lieutenant] Harold Arthur Fritz, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a platoon leader with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in action against enemy aggressor forces at An Loc, Binh Long Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 11 January 1969. Captain Fritz was leading his seven-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, Captain Fritz’ vehicle was hit and he was seriously wounded. Realizing that his platoon was completely surrounded, vastly outnumbered, and in danger of being overrun, Captain 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, Captain 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 two meters of the position and threatened to overwhelm the defenders. Captain 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, Captain 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, Captain 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 Captain 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.