Paul Ronald Lambers (June 25, 1942 â December 1, 1970) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decorationâÂÂthe Medal of HonorâÂÂfor his actions in the Vietnam War.
Lambers joined the Army from his birth city of Holland, Michigan in 1965, and by August 20, 1968, was serving as a Sergeant in Company A, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. During a firefight on that day, in Tây Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, Lambers took command after the platoon leader was wounded. For his conspicuous leadership during the battle he was promoted to Staff Sergeant and awarded the Medal of Honor in December 1969.
Walking along Lake Michigan two years later in inclement weather, he was swept off a breakwater and drowned at age 28. His body was never recovered.
Staff Sergeant Lambers' official Medal of Honor citation reads: