PIERCE, LARRY S.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade
Place: Near Ben Cat, Republic of Vietnam
PIERCE, LARRY S.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade
Place: Near Ben Cat, Republic of Vietnam
Date: 20 September 1965
Entered service at: Fresno, California
Born: 6 July 1941, Wewoka, Oklahoma
Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and
beyond the call of duty.
Sgt. Pierce was serving as squad leader in a reconnaissance platoon when his patrol was ambushed by hostile forces. Through his inspiring leadership and personal courage, the squad succeeded in eliminating an enemy machine gun and routing the opposing force. While pursuing the fleeing enemy, the squad came upon a dirt road and, as the main body of his men entered the road, Sgt. Pierce discovered an anti-personnel mine emplaced in the road bed. Realizing that the mine could destroy the majority of his squad, Sgt. Pierce saved the lives of his men at the sacrifice of his life by throwing himself directly onto the mine as it exploded. Through his indomitable courage, complete disregard for his safety, and profound concern for his fellow soldiers, he averted loss of life and injury to the members of his squad. Sgt. Pierce's extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the armed forces of his country.
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--- General / Personal ---
Last name: PIERCE
First name: LARRY STANLEY
Home of Record (official): TAFT
State (official): CA
Date of Birth: Sunday, July 6, 1941
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Married
--- Military ---
Branch: Army
Rank: SSG
Serial Number: 19597808
Component: Regular
Posthumous promotion as indicated
Pay grade: E5
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11C40
--- Action ---
Start of Tour: Thursday, March 4, 1965
Date of Casualty: Monday, September 20, 1965
Age at time of loss: 24
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Other explosive device (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Unknown/Not Reported
The Wall: Panel 02E - Row 091
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