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91_HR0185
LRB9106481CBcb
1 HOUSE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, Captain Harold A. Fritz of Peoria received the
3 Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions when he was with
4 the United States Army in Binh Long Province, Republic of
5 Vietnam, on January 11, 1969; and
6 WHEREAS, Captain Fritz received the medal for conspicuous
7 gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life
8 and beyond the call of duty; and
9 WHEREAS, Captain Fritz (then First Lieutenant)
10 distinguished himself while serving as a platoon leader; he
11 was leading his 7 vehicle armored column along Highway 13 to
12 meet and escort a truck convoy when his column suddenly came
13 under heavy crossfire from a reinforced enemy company
14 deployed in ambush positions; and
15 WHEREAS, In the initial attack, Captain Fritz was
16 seriously wounded; realizing his platoon was completely
17 surrounded, he leaped to the top of his burning vehicle and
18 directed the positioning of his remaining vehicles and men;
19 without regard for his own safety he ran from vehicle to
20 vehicle, to improve the defenses and assist the wounded;
21 Captain Fritz manned a machine gun and inspired his men to
22 deliver intense and deadly fire which broke the assault and
23 routed the attackers; and
24 WHEREAS, A strong force assaulted the position and
25 attempted to overwhelm the defenders; Captain Fritz, armed
26 only with a pistol and bayonet, led a small group of men in a
27 fierce charge which routed the attackers; and
28 WHEREAS, Despite his wounds, Captain Fritz returned to
29 his position, assisted his men, and refused medical attention
30 until all of his wounded comrades had been treated and
31 evacuated; and
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1 WHEREAS, Captain Fritz's extraordinary heroism, at the
2 risk of his life are in keeping with the highest traditions
3 of the military service; and
4 WHEREAS, The State of Illinois is proud of people like
5 Harold A. Fritz, who risked his life in the service of his
6 country; therefore, be it
7 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
8 NINETY-FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
9 we congratulate Harold A. Fritz on receiving the
10 Congressional Medal of Honor; that we commend him for his
11 valor and courage; and that we wish him all the best of luck
12 in the future; and be it further
13 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
14 presented to Harold A. Fritz as an expression of our esteem.