Medal of Honor Recipient: Private First Class Billy Lane Lauffer
Rank and organization: Private First Class , U.S.
Army, Company C, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division. place and
date: Near Bon Son in Binh Dinh province, Republic of Vietnam ,
21 September 1966 .
Entered service at: phoenix, Ariz. Born: 20 October 1945 , Murray , Ky.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of
his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pfc. Lauffer's squad, a part of
Company C, was suddenly struck at close range by an intense machine gun
crossfire from 2 concealed bunkers astride the squad's route. Pfc. Lauffer, the
second man in the column, saw the lead man fall and noted that the remainder of
the squad was unable to move. Two comrades, previously wounded and being
carried on litters, were Lying helpless in the beaten zone of the enemy fire.
Reacting instinctively, Pfc. Lauffer quickly engaged both bunkers with fire
from his rifle, but when the other squad members attempted to maneuver under
his covering fire, the enemy fusillade increased in volume and thwarted every
attempt to move. Seeing this and his wounded comrades helpless in the open,
Pfc. Lauffer rose to his feet and charged the enemy machine gun positions,
firing his weapon and drawing the enemy's attention. Keeping the enemy confused
and off balance, his 1-man assault provided the crucial moments for the wounded
point man to crawl to a covered position, the squad to move the exposed litter
patients to safety, and his comrades to gain more advantageous positions. Pfc.
Lauffer was fatally wounded during his selfless act of courage and devotion to
his fellow soldiers. His gallantry at the cost of his life served as an
inspiration to his comrades and saved the lives of an untold number of his
companions. His actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of military
service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
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