Palmetto State Armory is calling on patriots, collectors, and history buffs alike to help solve a powerful mystery—and there’s a $50,000 reward on the table for the person who finds the missing piece.
This isn’t fiction. This is about Col. Lutz, a Vietnam War hero who survived a close-quarters attack during a base assault by drawing and firing his issued Colt 1911 sidearm, saving his own life and helping repel the enemy.
Years later, after retiring as a full colonel, Lutz brought that same 1911 pistol home with him to the U.S. But like many of us, he eventually traded it at a gun shop in Ocoee, Florida—likely not realizing its future importance as a key piece of American history.
Palmetto State Armory is building a display in honor of Col. Lutz as part of their upcoming Freedom Museum. They already have nearly everything:
His flight helmet
Dog tags
Flight maps
Even the AK rifle used in the attack against him
But the heart of the story—the Colt 1911 that protected him—is still out there.
Honoring Our Men Who Served
Col. Lutz wasn’t just another name on a wall. He flew into a hot zone, landed into chaos, and when face-to-face with an enemy fighter who pulled the trigger and misfired—he drew his .45 and ended the threat. That moment is a raw reminder of what service, courage, and split-second action mean.
Honoring men like Col. Lutz isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about preserving the legacy of those who carried freedom on their shoulders, one mission at a time.
Here’s What You Can Do
If you have information about the Colt 1911 with the matching serial number (shown in the video), or if you own it, PSA wants to hear from you. The reward for returning it is $50,000.
Watch the full video above to hear the incredible firsthand account from PSA’s Jamin McCallum and help spread the word. With your help, this 1911 can return home to its rightful place—alongside the gear of a true American hero.
