|
Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients LOZADA, CARLOS JAMES Rank and organization: Private
First Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade.
|
|
Hispanic-American Medal of Honor Recipients LOZADA, CARLOS JAMES Rank and organization: Private
First Class, U.S. Army, Company A, 2d Battalion, 503d Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade.
|
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry
and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.
Pfc. Lozada, U.S. Army, distinguished himself at the risk of his life above and beyond
the call of duty in the battle of Dak To. While serving as a machine gunner with 1st
platoon, Company A, Pfc. Lozada was part of a 4-man early warning outpost, located
35 meters from his company's lines. At 1400 hours a North Vietnamese Army company
rapidly approached the outpost along a well defined trail. Pfc. Lozada alerted his
comrades and commenced firing at the enemy who were within 10 meters of the outpost.
His heavy and accurate machinegun fire killed at least 20 North Vietnamese soldiers
and completely disrupted their initial attack. Pfc. Lozada remained in an exposed
position and continued to pour deadly fire upon the enemy despite the urgent pleas
of his comrades to withdraw. The enemy continued their assault, attempting to envelop
the outpost. At the same time enemy forces launched a heavy attack on the forward
west flank of Company A with the intent to cut them off from their battalion. Company
A was given the order to withdraw. Pfc. Lozada apparently realized that if he abandoned
his position there would be nothing to hold back the surging North Vietnamese soldiers
and that the entire company withdrawal would be jeopardized. He called for his comrades
to move back and that he would stay and provide cover for them. He made this decision
realizing that the enemy was converging on 3 sides of his position and only meters
away, and a delay in withdrawal meant almost certain death. Pfc. Lozada continued
to deliver a heavy, accurate volume of suppressive fire against the enemy until he
was mortally wounded and had to be carried during the withdrawal. His heroic deed
served as an example and an inspiration to his comrades throughout the ensuing 4-day
battle. Pfc. Lozada's actions are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect
great credit upon himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.