Tech Sergeant Lawrence E. Reitz was the Radio Operator/Gunner assigned to the 9th Air Force, the 98th Bomb Group, and the 343rd Bombardment Squadron, flying in the B-24D, named Four Eyes. Sgt Reitz's airplane, Four Eyes, was shot down and he was killed in action (KIA) with his crew over his target at Ploesti, Romania, on Operation Tidal Wave. Failed to Return (FTR). 10 (KIA). 1 Aug 43. MACR 174



For his valor and actions in combat in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations in WWII, Sgt. Reitz was awarded the the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. And for his actions and sacrifice on Operation Tidal Wave over Ploesti, Romania, Sgt. Reitz was posthumously awarded an Oak leaf Cluster to his Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart Medal.