THE WALL OF FACES

The war may be forgotten but the warrior will always be remembered. All gave Some-Some gave All. Rest in peace Sky Soldier.

Peter James Lantz

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Army
Rank: First Lieutenant
Battalion: 2d Battalion (Airborne)
GENERAL ORDERS:
Headquarters, I Field Force Vietnam, General Orders No. 62 (January 31, 1968)
CITATION:
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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Peter James Lantz (ASN: OF-107804), United States Army, for gallantry in action. First Lieutenant Lantz distinguished himself on 20 November 1967, while serving as a platoon leader with Company C, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate), on a search and destroy mission in the Republic of Vietnam. As the order to assault was issued, Lieutenant Lantz immediately maneuvered his platoon into an assault line and began moving toward the well prepared enemy bunkers. Despite the intense enemy automatic weapons, rocket and mortar fire, Lieutenant Lantz continually exposed himself, with little regard for his own safety, in order to direct fires and encourage his troops. After receiving the order to withdraw, Lieutenant Lantz quickly organized his troops and withdrew utilizing fire and movement in retrograde and sustaining a minimum of casualties. While in the process of reorganizing, Lieutenant Lantz received the order to begin a second assault. He quickly maneuvered his element into an assault formation and charged the enemy fortifications. As his platoon viciously fought through the initial enemy defenses, Lieutenant Lantz was severely wounded by the intense enemy mortar fire. Completely disregarding his personal safety, Lieutenant Lantz took the radio from his mortally wounded radio telephone operator and, dropping his personal weapon, continued to direct the assault. In the face of murderous enemy firepower, Lieutenant Lantz was ordered to withdraw. He quickly executed an orderly withdrawal, personally insuring that no wounded were left behind. As Lieutenant Lantz was directing his platoon into the company perimeter, a re-supply pallet of ammunition was dropped outside the perimeter. He immediately organized a carrying party and moved to secure the ammunition. An intense firefight ensued, during which Lieutenant Lantz was mortally wounded. Lieutenant Lantz's aggressiveness, superior tactical knowledge and extraordinary personal valor in close combat against a numerically superior North Vietnamese force were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

The “Friends of Rocky Versace” once again remember one of Rocky’s fellow alumni from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point - and a brother Airborne-Ranger - 1LT Peter James Lantz, USMA class of 1966, on what would’ve been his 75th birthday - 17 September 2018.

The “Friends of Rocky Versace” once again remember one of Rocky’s fellow alumni from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point - and a brother Airborne-Ranger - 1LT Peter James Lantz, USMA class of 1966, on what would’ve been his 75th birthday - 17 September 2018.

On behalf of all the paratroopers who served with you in the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) and all who followed, we offer our respect and remembrance of your ultimate sacrifice. May you never be forgotten and your family and friends take comfort in your valor in serving.