Harold A. Fritz

Lieutenant Harold A. Fritz entered the United States Army in 1966 and was commissioned as an Armor Second Lieutenant through the Officer Candidate School at Fort Knox, Kentucky, in March of 1967. His 27 year service career includes combat service in Vietnam and peacetime service in the United States, Germany and Korea. | He is a Life Member of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society in which he has served as Vice President and President, Military Order of the Purple Heart of the United States, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Veterans (AMVETS), Korean War Veterans Association, Vietnow, and the Blackhorse (11th Armored Cavalry Regiment) Association. He is also an Honorary Life Member of the 173rd Airborne Association. Mr. Fritz held the position of Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA) for Illinois (South) from 1998 to August 2003. | Lieutenant Colonel Fritz retired from the United States Army in June 1993. He worked as a counselor for the Illinois Veterans Leadership Program from July 1993 to April 1995. He served as Deputy Director (Programs and Services) for the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs from May 1995 to May 2003, and he worked for the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs at the Peoria VA Outpatient Clinic from September 2004 to February 2013. | His individual military combat and peacetime awards include: the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and “V” Device, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters and the Army Commendation Medal w/ Oak Leaf Cluster. He is also the recipient of the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal for his service as Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army.