George W. Petrie, Jr.

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 pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Armor) Robert Bartholomew, III (ASN: 0-5244841), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Combat Support Company, 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 January 1969. On this date, Lieutenant Bartholomew was serving with his company as a platoon leader while conducting reconnaissance operations in a suspected Viet Cong bask camp area in the vicinity of Di An. When the friendly force discovered a tunnel complex occupied by an armed insurgent force, Lieutenant Bartholomew personally directed the capture of four of the enemy soldiers and their weapons. He continued to occupy the base camp area throughout the night and next day in order to search for additional enemy emplacements. Lieutenant Bartholomew’s professional performance of his mission significantly contributed to the capture of 12 insurgents, the discovery and destruction of 32 tunnel complexes, the capture of numerous enemy weapons, and the elimination of a battalion size base camp. His selfless courage served as an inspiration to the men of his unit and earned him the respect and confidence of all who witnessed his actions. First Lieutenant Bartholomew’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Sergeant First Class George W. Petrie (ASN: RA-14672362), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Detachment B-20, Company B, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in the Republic of Vietnam. Sergeant First Class Petri distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 7 August 1967, as Radio Operator and Platoon Leader of a Special Forces patrol on an extended reconnaissance mission in the Central Highlands. While moving down a heavily vegetated river valley, his company was savagely attacked by a large Viet Cong force. Sergeant Petri quickly led his control element toward the source of fire and sighted the patrol’s right flank moving unsuspectingly toward another portion of the enemy force. Ignoring his safety, he moved in front of the waiting Viet Cong troops and delivered a savage barrage on them, disrupting their ambush. The Viet Cong brought up a heavy machine gun in an attempt to gain fire superiority, and Sergeant Petri crawled toward the weapon under blazing fire. When he came into range of the weapon, he stood up and destroyed it and its crew with hand grenades. Bullets struck all around him as he returned to his men. He quickly deployed them for an assault, and led a furious charge which forced the insurgents to flee. He then skillfully directed air strikes on the enemy soldiers and inflicted heavy casualties on them. Sergeant First Class Petri’s gallantry in action was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.