Navy Federal Credit Union

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 Sergeant First Class Peter A. Krawtzow (ASN: RA-55372863), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Sergeant First Class Krawtzow distinguished himself while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam during the period of 19 through 23 November 1967, while serving as a platoon sergeant with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, on a search and destroy mission. On 19 November, when Company C made contact with a large North Vietnamese Army force, the order to assault was issued. Sergeant Krawtzow quickly organized the men in the rear of his platoon and moved them to his platoon leader’s location. Sergeant Krawtzow continually exposed himself, with little regard for his own safety, to the intense enemy machine gun, rocket and mortar fire in order to direct the movement of his platoon. After pulling back and reorganizing, Sergeant Krawtzow discovered that his platoon leader had been killed. Although wounded earlier, he immediately assumed command of the platoon and placed it within the company perimeter. Sergeant Krawtzow was later informed that all of the officers in the company had been killed. He immediately assumed command of the company and went from position to position, encouraging his troops and preparing them for the night. When relieved of his command of the company the next day, Sergeant Krawtzow continued to function as platoon leader. For the next three days, he maintained firm control over his platoon. Sergeant Krawtzow’s aggressiveness, superior tactical knowledge and extraordinary personal valor were 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