Carlos James Lozada

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to Private First Class Carlos James Lozada (ASN: 51611285), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a machine gunner with 1st Platoon, Company A, 2d Battalion, 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Hill 875, in the battle of Dak To, Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 20 20 November 1967. Private First Class Lozada was part of a four-man early warning outpost, located 35 meters from his company's lines. At 1400 hours a North Vietnamese Army company rapidly approached the outpost along a well defined trail. Private First Class Lozada alerted his comrades and commenced firing at the enemy who were within ten meters of the outpost. His heavy and accurate machinegun fire killed at least 20 North Vietnamese soldiers and completely disrupted their initial attack. Private First Class Lozada remained in an exposed position and continued to pour deadly fire upon the enemy despite the urgent pleas of his comrades to withdraw. The enemy continued their assault, attempting to envelop the outpost. At the same time enemy forces launched a heavy attack on the forward west flank of Company A with the intent to cut them off from their battalion. Company A was given the order to withdraw. Private First Class Lozada apparently realized that if he abandoned his position there would be nothing to hold back the surging North Vietnamese soldiers and that the entire company withdrawal would be jeopardized. He called for his comrades to move back and that he would stay and provide cover for them. He made this decision realizing that the enemy was converging on three sides of his position and only meters away, and a delay in withdrawal meant almost certain death. Private First Class Lozada continued to deliver a heavy, accurate volume of suppressive fire against the enemy until he was mortally wounded and had to be carried during the withdrawal. His heroic deed served as an example and an inspiration to his comrades throughout the ensuing four-day battle. Private First Class Lozada's actions are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 77 (December 4, 1969)

Action Date: 20-Nov-67

Service: Army

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company A

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 503d Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade