Harold “Hal” Fritz is a Chicago native who was interested in education and veterinary medicine. He earned an education degree from the University of Tampa, but his occupational objectives changed in 1966, when he received his draft notice. He would spend the next 27 years serving our nation.

Hal was commissioned as an Armor Second Lieutenant through OCS in 1967 and, in January 1969, was deployed in Vietnam as a 1LT with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. On the 11th day of that month near Quan Loi, he would earn the Medal of Honor.

Of his actions, his MoH citation states: “For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”

Then 1st LT Fritz, Armor, U.S. Army, distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader with Troop A, near Quan Loi. LT Fritz was leading his seven-vehicle armored column along Highway 13 to meet and escort a truck convoy when the column suddenly came under intense crossfire from a reinforced enemy company deployed in ambush positions. In the initial attack, LT Fritz’ vehicle was hit and he was seriously wounded. Realizing that his platoon was completely surrounded, vastly outnumbered, and in danger of being overrun, LT Fritz leaped to the top of his burning vehicle and directed the positioning of his remaining vehicles and men.

With complete disregard for his wounds and safety, he ran from vehicle to vehicle in complete view of the enemy gunners in order to reposition his men, to improve the defenses, to assist the wounded, to distribute ammunition, to direct fire, and to provide encouragement to his men. When a strong enemy force assaulted the position and attempted to overrun the platoon, LT Fritz manned a machine gun and through his exemplary action inspired his men to deliver intense and deadly fire which broke the assault and routed the attackers. Moments later a second enemy force advanced to within two meters of the position and threatened to overwhelm the defenders. LT Fritz, armed only with a pistol and bayonet, led a small group of his men in a fierce and daring charge which routed the attackers and inflicted heavy casualties.

When a relief force arrived, LT Fritz saw that it was not deploying effectively against the enemy positions, and he moved through the heavy enemy fire to direct its deployment against the hostile positions. This deployment forced the enemy to abandon the ambush site and withdraw. Despite his wounds, LT Fritz returned to his position, assisted his men, and refused medical attention until all of his wounded comrades had been treated and evacuated.

His citation concludes: “The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by LT Fritz, at the repeated risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect greatest credit upon himself, his unit, and the Armed Forces.”

Indeed.

Beyond his Medal of Honor, Hal was also awarded the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (V) with oak leaf cluster, and the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster.

He returned home in the spring of 1969 and two years later was serving with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Lewis, Washington, when the Department of the Army informed him he was being awarded the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon. On 2 March 1971, he and his wife and young son, accompanied by his father, mother, and brother, went to the White House for the presentation.

Before awarding the Medal, President Nixon gave the men and Hal’s son commemorative tie clasps. But having left their infant son at home, Hal’s son said to the President, “My little brother, who’s not here, didn’t get one.” President Nixon removed his own commemorative tie clasp, handed it to the youngster, and said, “Well, then, give him this.”

After retiring from military service, Hal settled in Peoria, Illinois, and in keeping with this humble Midwesterner’s penchant for taking care of others, he started a second career serving Veterans at the Bob Michel VA Clinic. On 15 November 2024, the Peoria County Veterans Assistance Commission was renamed in his honor. At the ceremony, Hal joked: “They named a building after me in Germany, but then they closed the base. The Army named a horse after me, but then they sold the horse. Hopefully, this place sticks around longer.”

But the quote he repeats often in speaking engagements across the nation is no joke: “America — love it or leave it. Many have died to protect it.”

Hal carries with him a Zippo lighter given to him by his wife ahead of his tour to Vietnam. He was carrying it in his shirt pocket that fateful day near Quan Loi, and credits it with having deflected a bullet that could have pierced his heart.

You can listen to his reflections on courage here.

Notably, Hal Fritz also served as the President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society — to join the club, you only need a Medal of Honor!

In October 2024, Hal joined other recipients with a rare public presidential endorsement — for Donald Trump.

LTC Harold Arthur Fritz, an ordinary man faced with extraordinary circumstances, summoned the greatest measure of courage to place his life in imminent peril to save others. His example of valor — a humble American Patriot defending Liberty for all above and beyond the call of duty — is eternal.

“Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Live your life worthy of his sacrifice.

(Read more Profiles of Valor here.)

Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et Fidelis
Pro Deo et Libertate — 1776

Follow Mark Alexander on X/Twitter.

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