Walter Platosz

The database page for Walter Platosz

08 Jul 2003 "Brother to Brother" Walter was awarded two Bronze Stars, one of which was for heroism at the Battle of Ong Thanh . Please visit the site, read of the bravery and courage of the Black Lions ... the Black Lions are the bravest men I know ... Then visit the 2/28 memorial to Walter . Joseph Platosz jandpgroup@netzero.net HEADQUARTERS 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION APO San Francisco 96345 8 November 1967 GENERAL ORDERS NUMBER 8023 AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL 1. TC 320. The following AWARD is announced posthumously. PLATOSZ, WALTER US61004121 PRIVATE FIRST CLASS E3 United States Army Company A 2d Battalion 28th Infantry Awarded: Bronze Star Medal with "V" device Date of Action: 17 October 1967 Theater: Republic of Vietnam Reason: For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force: On this date, during Operation Shenandoah II, Private First Class Platosz was serving as an assistant machine gunner on a search and destroy mission near Chon Thanh. Elements of the battalion were sweeping an area near the Michelin Rubber Plantation when the point man discovered a trail. Private First Class Platosz' company immediately deployed and went down both sides of the trail. Suddenly, they were subjected to an attack from a reinforced Viet Cong regiment utilizing claymore mines, automatic weapons, small arms, and rockets. Private First Class Platosz and his machine gunner immediately retaliated and placed devastating counter-fire upon the insurgents. Numerous casualties had been incurred in the initial barrage and many wounded were in need of immediate treatment. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Private First Class Platosz moved unhesitatingly to a forward position and provided suppressive cover fire as his wounded comrades were carried back to a secondary perimeter. He continued to cover the withdrawal until his position was overrun and he was mortally wounded. He gallantly gave his life in defense of his comrades. Private First Class Platosz' outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty, and personal bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army. Authority: By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1962. FOR THE COMMANDER: FREDERICK C. KRAUSE Colonel, GS Chief of Staff OFFICIAL: S. F. TOMASEE Captain, AGC Assistant Adjutant General

A Note from The Virtual Wall The 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry had been operating west of the village of Chon Thanh since October 8th, conducting "search and destroy" operations in an area known to be occupied by large Viet Cong forces. Only four of the battalion's five companies (HHC, A, B, and D) were involved; C Company was providing fire base security for the supporting artillery unit. On the morning of 17 October, Alpha Company led out from the night defensive perimeter on a recon-in-force with the battalion command group in company and Delta Company in trail. Around noontime Alpha was engaged by a very much larger enemy force and Delta Company deployed in support. By the time the remaining forces could deploy in support of the engaged troops, the battalion command group and both Alpha and Delta had sustained very heavy casualties. Charlie Company was air-lifted in to assist Bravo and HHC and by late afternoon the area was secured as the VC forces withdrew. The fighting on 17 October resulted in 55 men killed in action, 3 who later died of their wounds, two missing in action, and 75 or more wounded. All 65 men in Alpha Company had been killed or wounded, Delta Company was little better off, and the Battalion Commander and his command group were dead. The Virtual Wall's Ong Thanh memorial summarizes the action and lists the dead. The 2/28's artillery Forward Observer, 2nd Lt Harold Durham (C Btry, 6/15th Arty), received a posthumous Medal of Honor for his actions, and the 15th Arty's memorial includes a newspaper article which gives another account of the battle.

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 08/10/2009