James Walter Lahti

First Lieutenant, U.S. Army

James Walter Lahti was born on 23 January 1948.

From Walled Lake, MI, James enlisted in the U.S. Army and was selected for Officer Candidate School. His father was a WWII veteran who lost both of his legs in that war.

On 1 September 1968, First Lieutenant James Walter Lahti was serving with B Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, in Binh Long Province, South Vietnam.

On that day, 1LT Lahti was killed in action by small arms fire on the airstrip at Song Be. According to his friend and fellow warrior, LT Dan Grundman, where others hesitated, 1LT Lahti, under fire and with total disregard for his own personal safety, gave aid to and removed the wounded from a certain death situation. His action was above and beyond the call of duty. 1LT Lahti's body was recovered.

Medals and Badge

Silver Star Medal
Combat Infantryman Badge
Bronze Star Medal with Combat Valor Device
Purple Heart
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal

Honors

The name James W Lahti is located on Panel 45W Line 020 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.

Burial

First Lieutenant James Walter Lahti is buried at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia, MI.

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