PAUL R. LAMBERS, United States Army, received the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action in Vietnam on 20 August 1968 while serving with the 25th Infantry Division. Sergeant Lambers’ platoon had established a night defensive position astride a suspected enemy infiltration route, when it was attacked by an estimated Viet Cong battalion. During the initial enemy onslaught, the platoon leader fell seriously wounded and Sergeant Lambers left his covered position, secured the platoon radio and moved to the command post to direct the defense. When his radio became inoperative due to enemy action, Sergeant Lambers crossed the fire swept position to secure the 90mm recoilless rifle crew’s radio in order to re-establish communications. Upon discovering that the 90mm recoilless rifle was not functioning, Sergeant Lambers assisted in the repair of the weapon and directed cannister fire at point blank range against the attacking enemy who had breached the defensive wire of the position. When the weapon was knocked out by enemy fire, he single-handedly repulsed a penetration of the position by detonating claymore mines and throwing grenades into the midst of the enemy. He then attacked a number of the enemy who were moving on the northwest sector of the perimeter, killing four more of the Viet Cong with well aimed hand grenades. Sergeant Lambers maintained command of the platoon elements by moving from position to position under the hail of enemy fire, providing assistance where the assault was the heaviest and by his men to the utmost efforts of courage. He displayed great skill and valor throughout the five hour battle by personally directing artillery and helicopter fires, placing them at times within five meters of the defensive position. He repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire at great risk to his own life in order to redistribute ammunition and to care for seriously wounded comrades and to move them to sheltered positions. Sergeant Lambers’ superb leadership, professional skill and magnificent courage saved the lives of his comrades, resulted in the virtual annihilation of a vastly superior enemy force and were largely instrumental in thwarting an enemy offensive against Tay Ninh City. His conspicuous gallantry at the risk of his own life is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Editors Note: Membership in the Legion of Valor was extended on a posthumous basis. Following White House presentation of the Medal of Honor, Paul Lambers was invited to become a member of the Legion of Valor by the National Adjutant. On 1 December 1970, Paul and a friend were standing on a pier at Holland, Michigan. A 12-foot wave, backed by a 30 mile-an-hour wind swept both into Lake Michigan. Paul’s friend managed to regain the pier; Paul lost his life in the turbulent waters. His completed application form for membership in the Legion of Valor was found among his personal papers and sent to the National Adjutant by his sister.