SGT.
LAWRENCE DAVID PETERS
Born on Sept. 16, 1946
From BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK
Casualty was on Sept. 4, 1967
in QUANG TIN, SOUTH VIETNAM
Panel 25E - - Line 108
Lawrence
Peters
Sgt.
Lawrence Peters served with the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines,
Mike Company. He was Killed in Action on the first day of Operation
SWIFT, and awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. Sgt. Peter's name
stands proudly on the Mike 3/5 Wall of Honor.
Semper fi, Brother Marine. We will never forget.
Brave
Marine
Sgt
Peters was a squad leader with the 2nd platoon, M Co. 3/5 on 4 Sept
67 and I was his Company Commander. I did not know Sgt. Peters well
but can attest to his bravery on that day. I had been in country for
15 months primarily with M Co. and the battle on the 4th (in my opinion)
was as fierce as any battle fought by Marines in ANY war. All of us
who survived that day owe our lives to Sgt Peters and the other heroes
who gave their lives that day in the Queson Valley. There are 9 bricks
in the Marine Corps Memorial Park Walkway dedicated to the Marines
of M Co. 3/5 who courageously gave their lives for us on Swift. Semper
Fi~ JD Murray
Operation SWIFT
(Sgt.
Peters Medal of Honor graphic by Vic Vilionis, 7th Marines)
Medal
of Honor Citation
LAWRENCE DAVID PETERS
Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps
Company M, 3d Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.
Place and Date: Quang Tin Province, Republic of Vietnam, 4 September
1967
For
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving as a squad leader with Company
M. During Operation SWIFT, the marines of the 2d Platoon of Company
M were struck by intense mortar, machinegun, and small arms fire from
an entrenched enemy force. As the company rallied its forces, Sgt.
Peters maneuvered his squad in an assault on any enemy defended knoll.
Disregarding
his safety, as enemy rounds hit all about him, he stood in the open,
pointing out enemy positions until he was painfully wounded in the
leg. Disregarding his wound, he moved forward and continued to lead
his men. As the enemy fire increased in accuracy and volume, his squad
lost its momentum and was temporarily pinned down. Exposing himself
to devastating enemy fire, he consolidated his position to render
more effective fire.
While
directing the base of fire, he was wounded a second time in the face
and neck from an exploding mortar round. As the enemy attempted to
infiltrate the position of an adjacent platoon, Sgt. Peters stood
erect in the full view of the enemy firing burst after burst forcing
them to disclose their camouflaged positions.
Sgt.
Peters steadfastly continued to direct his squad in spite of 2 additional
wounds, persisted in his efforts to encourage and supervise his men
until he lost consciousness and succumbed. Inspired by his selfless
actions, the squad regained fire superiority and once again carried
the assault to the enemy.
By his outstanding valor, indomitable fighting spirit and tenacious
determination in the face of overwhelming odds, Sgt. Peters upheld
the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service.
He gallantly gave his life for his country.
A
Fallen Hero
Larry,
God bless you, and rest in peace.~Bob Filice,
5th Marines 6/67-/7/68
