When they say NCOs are the back bone of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Lawrence D. Peters from Johnson City, New York upheld that motto.
On Sept 4, 1967, during operation Swift in the Quang Tin province, the 20 year old Sgt. was serving as a squad leader with 2nd PLT, Company M, 3/5 Marines when they were struck by intense mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire from an entrenched enemy force.
As the company rallied its forces, Sgt. Peters maneuvered his squad in an assault on an enemy defended knoll. 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. He continued firing until he was critically wounded by a gunshot wound in his chest. Although unable to walk or stand, Sgt. Peters steadfastly continued to direct his squad in spite of being wounded 2 more times, 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.
For his actions, leadership and overall courage, Sgt. Peters was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. #hero #military #usmc #military