Paul Ronald Lambers

He took command during a five-hour night attack

Paul Ronald Lambers was born in Holland, Michigan, on 25 June 1942. He graduated from Calvin College in 1965 and attended the University of Michigan. He entered the Army in May 1967 and went to Vietnam about five months later. He served with 3rd Platoon, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

On 20 August 1968, his platoon held a night position in Tay Ninh Province when a much larger enemy force attacked. Lambers took command after the platoon leader was seriously wounded. He crossed the position under fire to replace a damaged radio and helped restore a recoilless rifle that the defenders used to stop a breach.

As the fighting continued, he moved between positions to redistribute ammunition and help carry wounded soldiers to shelter. He directed artillery and helicopter fire close to the defenders. The platoon held its position through five hours of fighting.

President Richard Nixon presented Lambers with the Medal of Honor at the White House on 24 November 1969. On 1 December 1970, high waves swept him off the south breakwater at Holland Harbor. His body was never recovered.