244 Awards Compiled & Edited By C. Douglas Sterner

• 
  General Order No. 29, July 5, 1972
  

Home Town: Montgomery, Alabama

Ferguson, Frederick Edgar

Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army

Company C, 227th Aviation Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division

Date of Action: January 31, 1968

The Medal of Honor is presented to Frederick Edgar Ferguson, Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company C, 227th Aviation Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Hue, Republic of Vietnam, on 31 January 1968. Chief Warrant Officer Ferguson, commander of a re-supply helicopter monitoring an emergency call from wounded passengers and crewmen of a downed helicopter under heavy attack within the enemy controlled city of Hue, unhesitatingly volunteered to attempt evacuation. Despite warnings from all aircraft to stay clear of the area due to heavy antiaircraft fire, Chief Warrant Officer Ferguson began a low-level flight at maximum airspeed along the Perfume River toward the tiny, isolated South Vietnamese Army compound in which the crash survivors had taken refuge. Coolly and skillfully maintaining his course in the face of intense, short range fire from enemy occupied buildings and boats, he displayed superior flying skill and tenacity of purpose by landing his aircraft in an extremely confined area in a blinding dust cloud under heavy mortar and small-arms fire. Although the helicopter was severely damaged by mortar fragments during the loading of the wounded, Chief Warrant Officer Ferguson disregarded the damage and, taking off through the continuing hail of mortar fire, he flew his crippled aircraft on the return route through the rain of fire that he had experienced earlier and safely returned his wounded passengers to friendly control. Chief Warrant Officer Ferguson's extraordinary determination saved the lives of five of his comrades. His actions are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself and the U.S. Army

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  General Order No. 38, June 13, 1969
  

Home Town: Phoenix, Arizona

*Fernandez, Daniel

Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army

Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), 25th Infantry Division

Date of Action: February 18, 1966

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Daniel Fernandez, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment (Mechanized), 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Cu Chi, Hau Nghia Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 18 February 1966. Specialist Fourth Class Fernandez demonstrated indomitable courage when the patrol was ambushed by a Viet Cong rifle company and driven back by the intense enemy automatic weapons fire before it could evacuate an American soldier who had been wounded in the Viet Cong attack. Specialist Fourth Class Fernandez, a sergeant and two other volunteers immediately fought their way through devastating fire and exploding grenades to reach the fallen soldier. Upon reaching their fallen comrade the sergeant was struck in the knee by machinegun fire and immobilized. Specialist Fourth Class Fernandez took charge, rallied the left flank of his patrol and began to assist in the recovery of the wounded sergeant. While first aid was being administered to the wounded man, a sudden increase in the accuracy and intensity of enemy fire forced the volunteer group to take cover. As they did, an enemy grenade landed in the midst of the group, although some men did not see it. Realizing there was no time for the wounded sergeant or the other men to protect themselves from the grenade blast, Specialist Fourth Class Fernandez vaulted over the wounded sergeant and threw himself on the grenade as it exploded, saving the lives of his four comrades at the sacrifice of his life. Specialist Fourth Class Fernandez' profound concern for his fellow soldiers, at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of his country.

• 
  General Order No. 21, April 26, 1967
  

Home Town: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Fitzmaurice, Michael John

Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army

Troop D, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile)

Date of Action: March 23, 1971

The Medal of Honor is presented to Michael John Fitzmaurice, Specialist Fourth Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Troop D, 2d Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), in action against enemy aggressor forces at Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, on 23 March 1971. Specialist Fourth Class Fitzmaurice and three fellow soldiers were occupying a bunker when a company of North Vietnamese sappers infiltrated the area. At the onset of the attack Specialist Fourth Class Fitzmaurice observed three explosive charges which had been thrown into the bunker by the enemy. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades, and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he hurled two of the charges out of the bunker. He then threw his flak vest and himself over the remaining charge. By this courageous act he absorbed the blast and shielded his fellow-soldiers. Although suffering from serious multiple wounds and partial loss of sight, he charged out of the bunker, and engaged the enemy until his rifle was damaged by the blast of an enemy hand grenade. While in search of another weapon, Specialist Fourth Class Fitzmaurice encountered and overcame an enemy sapper in hand-to-hand combat. Having obtained another weapon, he returned to his original fighting position and inflicted additional casualties on the attacking enemy. Although seriously wounded, Specialist Fourth Class Fitzmaurice refused to be medically evacuated, preferring to remain at his post. Specialist Fourth Class Fitzmaurice's extraordinary heroism in action at the risk of his life contributed significantly to the successful defense of the position and resulted in saving the lives of a number of his fellow soldiers. These acts of heroism go above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit on Specialist Fourth Class Fitzmaurice and the United States Army.

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  General Order No. 39, November 5, 1973
  

Home Town: Cavour, South Dakota

*Fleek, Charles Clinton

Sergeant, U.S. Army

Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division

Date of Action: May 27, 1967

Citation:

The Medal of Honor is presented to Charles Clinton Fleek, Sergeant, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Binh Duong Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 27 May 1967. Sergeant Fleek distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader in Company C, during an ambush operation. Sergeant Fleek's unit was deployed in ambush locations when a large enemy force approached the position. Suddenly, the leading enemy element, sensing the ambush, halted and started to withdraw. Reacting instantly, Sergeant Fleek opened fire and directed the effective fire of his men upon the numerically superior enemy force. During the fierce battle that followed, an enemy soldier threw a grenade into the squad position. Realizing that his men had not seen the grenade, Sergeant Fleek, although in a position to seek cover, shouted a warning to his comrades and threw himself onto the grenade, absorbing its blast. His gallant action undoubtedly saved the lives or prevented the injury of at least eight of his fellow soldiers. Sergeant Fleek's gallantry and willing self-sacrifice were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army

• 
  General Order No. 10, March 9, 1971
  

Home Town: Cincinnati, Ohio

Foley, Robert Franklin

Captain, U.S. Army

Company A, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division

Date of Action: November 5, 1966

The Medal of Honor is presented to Robert Franklin Foley, Captain, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Quan Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, on 5 November 1966. Captain Foley's company was ordered to extricate another company of the battalion. Moving through the dense jungle to aid the besieged unit, Company A encountered a strong enemy force occupying well concealed, defensive positions, and the company's leading element quickly sustained several casualties. Captain Foley immediately ran forward to the scene of the most intense action to direct the company's efforts. Deploying one platoon on the flank, he led the other two platoons in an attack on the enemy in the face of intense fire. During this action both radio operators accompanying him were wounded. At grave risk to himself he defied the enemy's murderous fire, and helped the wounded operators to a position where they could receive medical care. As he moved forward again one of his machinegun crews was wounded. Seizing the weapon, he charged forward firing the machinegun, shouting orders and rallying his men, thus maintaining the momentum of the attack. Under increasingly heavy enemy fire he ordered his assistant to take cover and, alone, Captain Foley continued to advance firing the machinegun until the wounded had been evacuated and the attack in this area could be resumed. When movement on the other flank was halted by the enemy's fanatical defense, Captain Foley moved to personally direct this critical phase of the battle. Leading the renewed effort he was blown off his feet and wounded by an enemy grenade. Despite his painful wounds he refused medical aid and persevered in the forefront of the attack on the enemy redoubt. He led the assault on several enemy gun emplacements and, single-handedly, destroyed three such positions. His outstanding personal leadership under intense enemy fire during the fierce battle which lasted for several hours, inspired his men to heroic efforts and was instrumental in the ultimate success of the operation. Captain Foley's magnificent courage, selfless concern for his men and professional skill reflect the utmost credit upon himself and the United States Army.

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  General Order No. 28, June 21, 1968
  

Home Town: Newton, Massachusetts

Corporal, U.S. Army

Company D, 2d Battalion, 3d Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade

Date of Action: July 3, 1969

The Medal of Honor is presented to Michael Fleming Folland, Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 3d Infantry Regiment, 199th Infantry Brigade, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Long Khanh Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 3 July 1969. Corporal Folland distinguished himself while serving as an ammunition bearer with the weapons platoon of Company D, during a reconnaissance patrol mission. As the patrol was moving through a dense jungle area, it was caught in an intense crossfire from heavily fortified and concealed enemy ambush positions. As the patrol reacted to neutralize the ambush, it became evident that the heavy weapons could not be used in the cramped fighting area. Corporal Folland dropped his recoilless rifle ammunition, and ran forward to join his commander in an assault on the enemy bunkers. The assaulting force moved forward until it was pinned down directly in front of the heavily fortified bunkers by machinegun fire. Corporal Folland stood up to draw enemy fire on himself and to place suppressive fire on the enemy positions while his commander attempted to destroy the machinegun positions with grenades. Before the officer could throw a grenade, an enemy grenade landed in the position. Corporal Folland alerted his comrades and his commander hurled the grenade from the position. When a second enemy grenade landed in the position, Corporal Folland again shouted a warning to his fellow soldiers. Seeing that no one could reach the grenade and realizing that it was about to explode, Corporal Folland, with complete disregard for his safety, threw himself on the grenade. By his dauntless courage, Corporal Folland saved the lives of his comrades although he was mortally wounded by the explosion. Corporal Folland's extraordinary heroism, at the cost of his life, was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  General Order No. 8, January 25, 1972
  

Home Town: Richmond, Virginia

*Fournet, Douglas Bernard

First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army

Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)

Date of Action: May 4, 1968

The Medal of Honor is presented to Douglas Bernard Fournet, First Lieutenant (Infantry), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), in action against enemy aggressor forces in the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam, on 4 May 1968. First Lieutenant Fournet, Infantry, distinguished himself in action while serving as rifle platoon leader of the 2d Platoon, Company B. While advancing uphill against fortified enemy positions in the A Shau Valley, the platoon encountered intense sniper fire, making movement very difficult. The right flank man suddenly discovered an enemy claymore mine covering the route of advance and shouted a warning to his comrades. Realizing that the enemy would also be alerted, First Lieutenant Fournet ordered his men to take cover and ran uphill toward the mine, drawing a sheath knife as he approached it. With complete disregard for his safety and realizing the imminent danger to members of his command, he used his body as a shield in front of the mine as he attempted to slash the control wires leading from the enemy positions to the mine. As he reached for the wire the mine was detonated, killing him instantly. Five men nearest the mine were slightly wounded, but First Lieutenant Fournet's heroic and unselfish act spared his men of serious injury or death. His gallantry and willing self-sacrifice are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  General Order No. 18, April 23, 1970
  

Home Town: New Orleans, Louisiana

*Fous, James William

Private First Class, U.S. Army

Company E, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division

Date of Action: May 14, 1968

The Medal of Honor is presented to James William Fous, Private First Class, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company E, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 14 May 1968. Private First Class Fous was participating in a reconnaissance-in-force mission when his unit formed its perimeter defense for the night. Private First Class Fous, together with three other American soldiers, occupied a position in a thickly vegetated area facing a wood line. Private First Class Fous detected three Viet Cong maneuvering toward his position and, after alerting the other men, directed accurate fire upon the enemy soldiers, silencing two of them. The third Viet Cong soldier managed to escape in the thick vegetation after throwing a hand grenade into Private First Class Fous' position. Without hesitation, Private First Class Fous shouted a warning to his comrades and leaped upon the lethal explosive, absorbing the blast with his body to save the lives of the three men in the area at the sacrifice of his life. Private First Class Fous' extraordinary heroism at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

• 
  General Order No. 8, April 23, 1970
  

Home Town: Omaha, Nebraska

*Fratellenico, Frank Rocco

Corporal, U.S. Army

Company B, 2d Battalion, 502d Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division

Date of Action: August 19, 1970

The Medal of Honor is presented to Frank Rocco Fratellenico, Corporal, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a rifleman with Company B, 2d Battalion, 502d Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Fire Base Barnett, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 19 August 1970. Corporal Fratellenico's squad was pinned down by intensive fire from two well-fortified enemy bunkers. At great personal risk Corporal Fratellenico maneuvered forward and, using hand grenades, neutralized the first bunker which was occupied by a number of enemy soldiers. While attacking the second bunker, enemy fire struck Corporal Fratellenico, causing him to fall to the ground and drop a grenade which he was preparing to throw. Alert to the imminent danger to his comrades, Corporal Fratellenico retrieved the grenade and fell upon it an instant before it exploded. His heroic actions prevented death or serious injury to four of his comrades nearby and inspired his unit which subsequently overran the enemy position. Corporal Fratellenico's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the United States Army.

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  General Order No. 37, September 6, 1974
  

Home Town: Albany, New York

Freeman, Ed W.

Captain, U.S. Army

Co. A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division

Date of Action: November 14, 1965

The Medal of Honor is presented to Ed W. Freeman, Captain, U.S. Army, for numerous acts of conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary intrepidity on 14 November 1965 while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), action against enemy aggressor forces at LZ X-Ray, Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam, on 14 November 1965 As a flight leader and second in command of a 16-helicopter lift unit, he supported a heavily engaged American infantry battalion at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley, Republic of Vietnam. The infantry unit was almost out of ammunition after taking some of the heaviest casualties of the war, fighting off a relentless attack from a highly motivated, heavily armed enemy force. When the infantry commander closed the helicopter landing zone due to intense direct enemy fire, Captain Freeman risked his own life by flying his unarmed helicopter through a gauntlet of enemy fire time after time, delivering critically needed ammunition, water, and medical supplies to the besieged battalion. His flights had a direct impact on the battle's outcome by providing the engaged units with timely supplies of ammunition critical to their survival, without which they would almost surely have experienced a much greater loss of life. After medical evacuation helicopters refused to fly into the area due to intense enemy fire, Captain Freeman flew 14 separate rescue missions, providing life-saving evacuation of an estimated 30 seriously wounded soldiers -- some of whom would not have survived had he not acted. All flights were made into a small emergency landing zone within 100 to 200 meters of the defensive perimeter where heavily committed units were perilously holding off the attacking elements. Captain Freeman’s selfless acts of great valor, extraordinary perseverance, and intrepidity were far above and beyond the call of duty or mission and set a superb example of leadership and courage for all of his peers. Captain Freeman’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Born: 11/20/1927 at Neely, Mississippi

Home Town: Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Fritz, Harold Arthur

Captain (Armor), U.S. Army

Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment,

Date of Action: January 11, 1969

The Medal of Honor is presented to Harold Arthur Fritz, Captain (Armor), U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a platoon leader with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in action against enemy aggressor forces at An Loc, Binh Long Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 11 January 1969. Captain (then First Lieutenant) Fritz was leading his seven-vehicle armored column along Highway 13 to meet and escort a truck convoy when the column suddenly came under intense crossfire from a reinforced enemy company deployed in ambush positions. In the initial attack, Captain Fritz' vehicle was hit and he was seriously wounded. Realizing that his platoon was completely surrounded, vastly outnumbered, and in danger of being overrun, Captain Fritz leaped to the top of his burning vehicle and directed the positioning of his remaining vehicles and men. With complete disregard for his wounds and safety, he ran from vehicle to vehicle in complete view of the enemy gunners in order to reposition his men, to improve the defenses, to assist the wounded, to distribute ammunition, to direct fire, and to provide encouragement to his men. When a strong enemy force assaulted the position and attempted to overrun the platoon, Captain Fritz manned a machinegun and through his exemplary action inspired his men to deliver intense and deadly fire which broke the assault and routed the attackers. Moments later a second enemy force advanced to within two meters of the position and threatened to overwhelm the defenders. Captain Fritz, armed only with a pistol and bayonet, led a small group of his men in a fierce and daring charge which routed the attackers and inflicted heavy casualties. When a relief force arrived, Captain Fritz saw that it was not deploying effectively against the enemy positions, and he moved through the heavy enemy fire to direct its deployment against the hostile positions. This deployment forced the enemy to abandon the ambush site and withdraw. Despite his wounds, Captain Fritz returned to his position, assisted his men, and refused medical attention until all of his wounded comrades had been treated and evacuated. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Captain Fritz, at the repeated risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Army and reflect the greatest credit upon himself, his unit, and the Armed Forces.