The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Peyton Louis Wirtz (NSN: 0-70349), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ZANE (DMS-14), a high-speed mine layer, in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area in June and July 1943. Although under continual threat of enemy submarine attacks and frequently subjected to severe aerial bombings and shelling by hostile shore batteries, Commander Wirtz successfully transported troops and supplies through extremely hazardous, Japanese-infested waters in support of the vital landing operations on Rendova Island and the subsequent occupation of the New Georgia Group, skillfully driving off the enemy attacks and bringing the ZANE through undamaged. The expert seamanship and aggressive fighting spirit displayed by Commander Wirtz contributed materially to the success of our forces in this area and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Zane (DMS-14)Action Date:
October 23 – 25, 1942
Board Serial 822 (March 14, 1943)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander Peyton Louis Wirtz (NSN: 0-70349), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the escort vessel U.S.S. ZANE (DMS-14), during action in the Solomon Islands Area from 23 to 25 October 1942. When his ship, returning from the vital task of delivering sorely needed torpedoes and aviation gasoline at Tulagi, was attacked by three Japanese destroyers, Lieutenant Commander Wirtz courageously and without hesitation engaged the enemy. Exercising brilliant initiative and expert seamanship, he was able to inflict considerable damage on the numerically superior force before withdrawing to continue his voyage. By his unfaltering determination and steadfast devotion to duty under extremely adverse conditions, he successfully completed a vastly important mission.
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Commander Peyton Louis Wirtz (NSN: 0-70349), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant to the Force Operations Officer on the Staff of Commander Amphibious Forces, United States Pacific Fleet, prior to and during the assault and capture of enemy Japanese-held Iwo Jima and Okinawa, from November 1944 to May 1945. Ably assisting in the preparation of the extensive plans for the amphibious operations against these enemy-held islands, Commander Wirtz directed the movements of shipping to and from the objectives under conditions of great difficulty. His professional skill and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Lieutenant CommanderDivision:
U.S.S. Zane (DMS-14)Action Date:
August 7 & September 7 – 15, 1942
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Peyton Louis Wirtz (NSN: 0-70349), United States Navy, for gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. ZANE (DMS-14), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands on 7 August 1942, and subsequently from 7 to 15 September 1942. In addition to participating in the initial attacks against the islands, Lieutenant Commander Wirtz frequently brought his ship into the Guadalcanal-Tulagi area in the face of persistent Japanese aerial raids in order t o escort and protect vessels bearing reinforcements and supplies to Marine forces established on the island shore. His proficient execution of an extremely responsible task and his courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.