Michael Peter Lapolla

Captain Michael Lapolla was born in Peekskill, New York, in 1943. He graduated from West Point in 1965 as a commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Army Infantry. He completed Airborne and Ranger School. During his first Vietnam tour, 1966–1967, Lapolla served with the 4th Infantry Division in Pleiku, where he founded the 2nd Brigade Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol (LRRP), an elite reconnaissance force that evolved into K Company, 75th Ranger Regiment. His leadership and personal courage were twice recognized for heroism.

In November 1966, while attached to a Special Forces task force in the Ia Drang Valley, Lapolla and his men were surrounded by a large enemy force. With complete disregard for his own safety, he assumed command and led his men through the enemy threat to a secure perimeter. On another combat mission, one of his endangered reconnaissance teams required emergency extraction. Lapolla organized a helicopter rescue. Flying at treetop level in a UH1B Huey, he directed gunships against enemy positions before guiding the rescue helicopter to the trapped patrol.

Lapolla returned to Vietnam in 1969 as a Battalion Advisor with Military Assistance Command and the 1st ARVN Infantry Division based in Hué and the Ashau Valley.  Other assignments included Fort Lewis, Fort Benning, Fort Carson, and the University of South Dakota. His decorations include three Bronze Stars, one for valor; three Air Medals, one for valor; and two Army Commendation Medals.

After completing military service in 1973, Lapolla earned a Master of Health Care Administration. He moved to Tulsa in 1976 and devoted 35 years to advancing health care, medical education, and health policy in Oklahoma, serving at the University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma State University, and the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. He also served on numerous community foundations and civic organizations.