Frear, Harry J.

Date of birth:: July 30th, 1920
Date of death:: September 2nd, 1985
Buried on:: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Plot: 8. Grave: 720.
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: 1st Lieutenant
Unit:: 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army
Awarded on:: August 31st, 1944

"For gallantry in action on 28 January 1945, near WALLERODE, BELGIUM. First Lieutenant FREAR, a platoon leader, distinguished himself by establishing himself as the point of his platoon which was the spearhead of his battalion's assault upon the outlying fortifications of the SIEGFRIED Line. In an action lasting eleven hours and fought in waist-deep snow drifts, First Lieutenant FREAR displayed a high order of aggressive and courageous leadership by personally entering enemy occupied bunkers on five different occasions and killing and routing the occupants with hand grenades. He killed seven Germans who were attempting to hold up the advance of his platoon with his Thompson Sub-Machine Gun, one of whom was later identified as the battalion commander of the enemy troops, in the vicinity. Throughout the entire action he completely disregarded all consideration of his personal safety as he directed BAR and machine gun fire upon enemy strongpoints. By his exhibition of fearless disregard of the intense enemy fire, he instilled great confidence in his men and inspired them to the successful completion of a hazardous mission under the most trying conditions of weather and terrain. His conduct during this action was such to reflect highly upon himself and the United States Airborne Forces. Entered military service from JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA.

[signed]
JAMES M. GAVIN
Major General, U.S. Army,
Commanding.