Peter E. Schmidt

The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Sergeant Peter E. Schmidt, United States Army, Company B, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division, for gallantry in action while engaged in close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Sergeant Schmidt distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 15 September 1967, while serving as a squad leader participating in an amphibious search and destroy mission in the Cam Son Secret Zone, Vietnam. Sergeant Schmidt was in the lead Armored Troop Carrier, and as it was navigating a narrow canal, it was met by a withering barrage of recoilless rifles, rocket, automatic weapons and small arms fire from a sizeable Viet Cong force deployed along the bank in dense vegetation. Sergeant Schmidt reacted immediately to the critical situation and bravely returned fire. In order to fire at the elusive enemy, Sergeant Schmidt exposed himself repeatedly to incoming rounds, despite warning to take cover. With utter disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Schmidt then dashed to the side of the carrier and, picking up a nearby M-79 grenade launcher, began to direct highly accurate, devastating rounds into the midst of the guerillas. Although many casualties were suffered by the friendly force, Sergeant Schmidt’s courageous actions aided immeasurable in preventing the carriers from being overrun. Sergeant Schmidt’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with a hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division and the United States Army.