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Congressional Medal of Honor Society

Stories of Sacrifice

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Vietnam War - U.S. Army

Frank Rocco Fratellenico

Details
  • Rank: Corporal
  • Conflict/Era: Vietnam War
  • Unit/Command:
    Company B, 2d Battalion, 502d Infantry, 1st Brigade,
    101st Airborne Division
  • Military Service Branch: U.S. Army
  • Medal of Honor Action Date: August 19, 1970
  • Medal of Honor Action Place: near Fire Base Barnett, Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam
Citation
Cpl. Fratellenico distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman with Company B. Cpl. Fratellenico's squad was pinned down by intensive fire from two well-fortified enemy bunkers. At great personal risk Cpl. 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 Cpl. 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, Cpl. 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. Cpl. 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 upon him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Medal of Honor Recipient Frank R. Fratellenico
Medal of Honor Recipient Frank R. Fratellenico
Additional Details
  • Accredited to: Albany, Albany County, New York
  • Awarded Posthumously: Yes
  • Presentation Date & Details: August 8, 1974
    Blair House, presented by Vice Pres. Gerald R. Ford to his family
  • Born: July 14, 1951, Sharon, Litchfield County, CT, United States
  • Died: August 19, 1970, Republic of Vietnam
  • Buried: Private Cemetery (MH) Cremated ashes taken to Thailand, Chatham, NY, United States
 

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