Peter Vanderland
Class of 1964
1st Aviation Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, USARV
Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism during Operation Junction City about seven miles south of Katum. During a reconnaissance mission 1st Lt Vanderland responded to a call from a company that had been ambushed by the Viet Cong and were about to be routed by the Viet Cong. Upon his arrival on the scene, he recognized that artillery fire could not be used. Ignoring intense ground fire, he made numerous passes over the enemy and dropped phosphorous grenades. The Viet Cong scattered and Vanderland was able to evacuate two seriously wounded soldiers. When he returned to the battle, he marked the enemies location for direct air strikes against them.
