Peter T. Olsen

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Peter T. Olsen, Sergeant E5 United States Army Company B 1st Battalion 28th Infantry, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Sergeant Olsen was serving as point man for his company during reconnaissance in force operation southwest of Chanh Long. He was leading the company through a small ravine when a booby trap was suddenly detonated and the column was subjected to intense hostile machinegun fire. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Sergeant Olsen exposed himself to the hail of hostile rounds as he maneuvered about to move several casualties to protected positions. He then directed the medical aidman to the wounded men and had his squad put forth effective covering fire. With the help of another man, Sergeant Olsen moved a seriously wounded individual a distance of 100 meters while under heavy enemy fire, and continued to help him until he could be airlifted from the battle area. Contact with the Viet Cong was broken after dark, and he volunteered to return to the scene of the fighting to recover the body of one of his men. Although fully aware of the danger, Sergeant Olsen moved near the hostile positions and succeeded in brining back his comrade’s body. His extraordinary courage and competent leadership throughout the conflict were instrumental in expeditiously evacuating the wounded, and significantly contributed toward the successful outcome of the encounter. Sergeant Olsen’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.