Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company E, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division "Angels", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

May 9th, 1945

Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pvt. Fryar's battalion encountered the enemy strongly entrenched in a position supported by mortars and automatic weapons. The battalion attacked, but in spite of repeated efforts was unable to take the position. Pvt. Fryar's company was ordered to cover the battalion's withdrawal to a more suitable point from which to attack, but the enemy launched a strong counterattack which threatened to cut off the company. Seeing an enemy platoon moving to outflank his company, he moved to higher ground and opened heavy and accurate fire. He was hit, and wounded, but continuing his attack he drove the enemy back with a loss of 27 killed. While withdrawing to overtake his squad, he found a seriously wounded comrade, helped him to the rear, and soon overtook his platoon leader, who was assisting another wounded. While these 4 were moving to rejoin their platoon, an enemy sniper appeared and aimed his weapon at the platoon leader. Pvt. Fryar instantly sprang forward, received the full burst of automatic fire in his own body and fell mortally wounded. With his remaining strength he threw a hand grenade and killed the sniper. Pvt. Fryar's indomitable fighting spirit and extraordinary gallantry above and beyond the call of duty contributed outstandingly to the success of the battalion's withdrawal and its subsequent attack and defeat of the enemy. His heroic action in unhesitatingly giving his own life for his comrade in arms exemplifies the highest tradition of the U.S. Armed Forces."

General Order No.: 35, 9th May 1945.
Awarded posthumously.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company E, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division "Angels", U.S. Army

Citation unavailable.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company E, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division "Angels", U.S. Army

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Private

Unit:

Company E, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division "Angels", U.S. Army

This award was obtained in the form of an Oak Leave to be attached on the ribbon of the first award.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)