DAK TO
On the afternoon of 19 November 1967, Private First Class Carlos Lozada and the other two paratroopers manning the observation post at the base of Hill 875, watched intently for any signs of approaching enemy soldiers.
They were just 40 yards from where a detail of soldiers were trying to clear a landing zone for helicopters supporting their paratrooper battalion. On the upper slope of the hill, two other companies in their battalion were battling against an entrenched enemy presence.
The three men did not have to wait long. Lozada was the first to spot the enemy. The North Vietnamese soldiers had camouflaged themselves by stuffing leafy branches into their helmets and uniforms. Lozada then motioned to his two fellow soldiers that the enemy was about to attack.
As mortar rounds began exploding around them, Lozada opened fire from a concealed position when the enemy soldiers were just about on top of him. Firing measured bursts with his M60, the Bronx, New York-resident slowed the enemy’s attack. As they swept by him, Lozada swung his weapon back and forth in an effort to kill as many as he could.
When it was apparent that they were about to be surrounded, Lozada shouted for his two friends to retreat to their company’s position while there was still time. He laid down heavy suppressive fire in an effort to buy a few extra minutes for his fellow soldiers in Alpha Company of the 2nd Battalion of the 173rd Brigade to react to the surprise attack. While withdrawing he was killed by a round to the head.
Lozada had succeeded in killing 17 enemy soldiers in his valiant stand. For his courage under fire, Lozada posthumously received the Medal
