Lawrence D . Peters Lawrence David Peters ( September 16 , 1946 – September 4 , 1967 ) was a United States Marine who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on September 4 , 1967 during the Vietnam War . Biography . Lawrence Peters was born on September 16 , 1946 , in Johnson City , New York . He attended Benjamin Franklin Elementary and Junior High Schools in Binghamton , New York , and graduated from Binghamton North High School in Binghamton , New York in 1964 . While still in high school , he enlisted in the U . S . Marine Corps Reserve ( USMCR ) on September 18 , 1963 and was assigned to the 48th Rifle Company , USMCR , Binghamton . In September 1964 , he completed recruit training with the 1st Recruit Training Battalion , Recruit Training Regiment , Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island , South Carolina . In October , he completed individual combat training with the 1st Infantry Training Battalion , Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune , North Carolina ; and advanced infantry combat training in December with the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion , at the same installation . Upon completion of his training , he returned to Binghamton , where he remained with the 48th Rifle Company until he was discharged to enlist in the Regular Marine Corps on January 30 , 1966 . He was promoted to private first class on December 16 , 1964 ; to Lance Corporal on July 1 , 1965 ; and to Corporal on January 1 , 1966 . Corporal Peters requested assignment to Fleet Marine Forces , Pacific , and in March 1966 , joined Staging Battalion , Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton , California , for transfer overseas . In May 1966 , he joined Company D , 1st Battalion , 3rd Marines , 3rd Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam , and served consecutively as fire team leader , squad leader , and non - commissioned officer in charge of the Combined Action Company . He was promoted to Sergeant on September 1 , 1966 . In November 1966 , he served on temporary additional duty as company gunnery sergeant with Headquarters Company , 7th Engineer Battalion ( Combined Action Company ) . That December , he was transferred to Combined Action Company , Sub Unit # 1 , Service Company , Headquarters Battalion , 1st Marine Division , where he served as non - commissioned officer in charge , until April 1967 . He then served with the Military Police Company , attached to the 1st Marine Division , until the following July . Sergeant Peters next served as squad leader of Company M , 3rd Battalion , 5th Marines , 1st Marine Division . While serving in this capacity , on September 4 , 1967 , he was killed in action during Operation Swift in Quang Tin Province . For his “ indomitable fighting spirit and determination against overwhelming odds , ” Sergeant Peters was awarded the Medal of Honor . He is buried in Chenango Valley Cemetery in Binghamton , New York . Medal of Honor citation . The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to SERGEANT LAWRENCE D . PETERS UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following CITATION : For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Squad Leader with Company M , Third Battalion , Fifth Marines , First Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam on 4 September 1967 . During Operation SWIFT , in the province of Quang Tin , the Marines of the second platoon of Company M were struck by intense mortar , machine gun , and small arms fire from an entrenched enemy force . As the company rallied its forces , Sergeant Peters maneuvered his squad in an assault on an enemy defended knoll disregarding his safety , as enemy rounds hit all about him , he stood in the open , pointing out enemy positions until he was painfully wounded in the leg . Disregarding his wound he moved forward and continued to lead his men . As the enemy fire increased in accuracy and volume , his squad lost its momentum and was temporarily pinned down . Exposing himself to devastating enemy fire , he consolidated his position to render more effective fire . While directing the base of fire , he was wounded a second time in the face and neck from an exploding mortar round . As the enemy attempted to infiltrate the position of an adjacent platoon , Sergeant Peters stood erect in the full view of the enemy firing burst after burst forcing them to disclose their camouflage d positions . Sergeant Peters continued firing until he was critically wounded by a gunshot wound in his chest . Although unable to walk or stand , Sergeant Peters steadfastly continued to direct his squad in spite of two additional wounds , persisted in his efforts to encourage and supervise his men until ; he lost consciousness and succumbed . Inspired by his selfless actions , the squad regained fire superiority and once again carried the assault to the enemy . By his outstanding valor , indomitable fighting spirit and tenacious determination in the face of overwhelming odds , Sergeant Peters upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service . He gallantly gave his life for his country . / S / RICHARD M . NIXON Awards and decorations . Sgt Peters was awarded the following medals :