Harold A. Fritz
Harold Arthur "Hal" Fritz is a retired United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the Vietnam War.
Military career
After earning a degree in elementary education from the University of Tampa, Fritz joined the United States Army from Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1966. By January 11, 1969, he was serving as a first lieutenant in Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. During a firefight on that day, in Bình Long Province, South Vietnam during Operation Toan Thang II, Fritz showed conspicuous leadership despite being seriously wounded. He was subsequently promoted to captain and awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.Fritz reached the rank of lieutenant colonel before retiring from the army after 27 years of service. In addition to his Medal of Honor, Fitz was awarded the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with "V" device and oak leaf cluster, Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster.
Later life
Fritz currently lives in Peoria, Illinois, and works there at the Department of Veterans Affairs' Bob Michel Outpatient clinic.In October 2024, Fritz joined 15 other Medal of Honor recipients in publicly endorsing Donald Trump for president.