Larry S. Pierce

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Larry Stanley Pierce
July 6, 1941 (1941-07-06) – September 20, 1965 (aged 24)
Larry Stanley Pierce, Medal of Honor recipient
Place of birth	Wewoka, Oklahoma
Place of death	near Ben Cat, Republic of Vietnam
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Army
Rank	Staff Sergeant
Unit	503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade
Battles/wars	Vietnam War
Awards	Medal of Honor Purple Heart

Larry Stanley Pierce (July 6, 1941 – September 20, 1965) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.

1 Biography
2 Medal of Honor citation
3 Honors
4 See also
5 References

[edit] Biography

Pierce joined the Army from Fresno, California, and by September 20, 1965 was serving as a Sergeant in the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. On that day, near Ben Cat in the Republic of Vietnam, Pierce smothered the blast of an anti-personnel mine with his body, sacrificing his life to protect his fellow soldiers. For his actions, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor on February 24, 1966 and promoted to Staff Sergeant.

Pierce, aged 24 at his death, was buried in Wasco Memorial Park, Wasco, California.

[edit] Medal of Honor citation

Sergeant Pierce's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

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 machinegun 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 antipersonnel 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.