Frederick, Robert Tryon

Date of birth:: March 14th, 1907 (San Francisco/California, United States)
Date of death:: November 29th, 1970 (Stanford/California, United States)
Buried on:: San Francisco National Cemetery
Plot: OS. Row: 66A. Grave: 11.
Service number:: 0-17196
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major General
Unit:: 1st Special Service Force "Devil's Brigade", Fifth Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:: November 23rd, 1944

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility from June 1942 to June 1944.

Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Brigadier General
Unit:: 1st Special Service Force "Devil's Brigade", Fifth Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:: 1944

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as Commander of the 1st Special Service Force, in action against enemy forces during the period 10 January to 13 January 1944, near Mount Vischiataro, Italy. While commanding his own organization and an attached task force, Brigadier General Frederick made a personal reconnaissance to determine hostile positions prior to an attack. Far in advance of the foremost elements of his command, under enemy machine gun, mortar and artillery fire, he probed enemy defenses and selected a covered route of approach for his troops. While leading his men against the enemy, he continued his reconnaissance in advance of his forward troops to obtain information from which to plan the development of the attack. Operating in terrain almost devoid of cover and concealment, he organized a surprise attack that quickly drove the enemy from a strategically important position. Brigadier General Frederick's constant presence under enemy fire forward of his own troops proved an inspiration to them and a decisive factor in the accomplishment of his mission. His heroism, aggressiveness, and tactical skill exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Brigadier General
Unit:: 1st Special Service Force "Devil's Brigade", Fifth Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:: 1944

Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major General
Unit:: 1st Special Service Force "Devil's Brigade", Fifth Army, U.S. Army
Awarded on:: January 28th, 1945

"For extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as Commander of the 1st Special Service Force, in action against enemy forces on 4 June 1944, in Rome, Italy. In order to advance to the city of Rome and seize bridges within the city, General Frederick organized a small, fast-moving force of armored vehicles and infantry to speedily execute the mission. Upon entering the city, the force met strong, determined resistance. Because of communication difficulties, General Frederick moved from place to place, constantly under fire, issuing orders and controlling his units. When the resistance had been overcome and movement through the city resumed, General Frederick, with only a small party, sped ahead in his half-track vehicle to examine the bridges for demolitions and neutralize charges that may have been placed but not yet exploded. As the examination of the first bridge was completed, an enemy unit approached to cross. In the ensuing fight, five of the enemy were killed, six wounded, eleven captured, and the remainder forced to withdraw. Although General Frederick had been slightly wounded early in the day and twice wounded at the bridge, he spent the remainder of the night disposing his forces to protect the bridges. His courage, leadership and determination in battle inspired his troops and were largely responsible for the successful accomplishment of a difficult operation. Major General Frederick's gallant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."

Received this second DSC as his first Oak Leaf Cluster to be worn on the ribbon of the first.

Distinguished Service Medal - Army (DSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Major General
Unit:: Commanding General, HQ, 45th Infantry Division "Thunderbird", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: 1945

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General, 45th Infantry Division, from 1944 to 1945."

2nd award: oak leaf cluster