John Frederick was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was captured on December 7, 1965, and until he died in captivity on or about July 19, 1972. In his personnel file at NPRC, his Navy Cross citation is actually written as a Medal of Honor citation, indicating that he was originally submitted and considered for our Nation’s highest award. His is one of the Marine Corps’ most highly decorated Warrant Officers in history. His remains were recovered and returned on March 13, 1974.
Sponsored by:
John
William
Frederick
, Jr.
POW (RVN) KIA
December 13, 1923
–
July 19, 1972
Awards Received
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Navy Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Bronze Star Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Chief Warrant OfficerDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
June 1967 – August 1968
Authority: Navy Department Board of Decorations and MedalsThe President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Chief Warrant Officer John William Frederick, Jr. (MCSN: WO-82847/397561), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from June 1967 to August 1968. During this period, Chief Warrant Officer Frederick distinguished himself by his relentless rejection of any attempts to gain his cooperation or assistance. His steadfast resistance in the face of grave personal danger was an inspiration to other Prisoners of War who observed him. As a result of his dogged resistance, in spite of the fury and relentless cruelty of his captors, fellow prisoners were able to emulate his highly professional example and to find additional personal strength by which to resist interrogation and indoctrination. As a hard-core resister, and with full knowledge of the serious personal hazards to his life, Chief Warrant Officer Frederick personified leadership, bravery, and resistance far beyond that which could reasonably be expected. By his loyalty, perseverance, and courageous actions, Chief Warrant Officer Frederick upheld the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Chief Warrant OfficerAction Date:
December 1965 – July 1972
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” (Posthumously) to Chief Warrant Officer John William Frederick, Jr. (MCSN: WO-82847/397561), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from December 1965 to July 1972. Under extremely adverse conditions, Chief Warrant Officer Frederick remained indomitable and persevering and carried out his responsibilities as a leader by maintaining good order and discipline among other United States prisoners of war. Despite the severe injuries received prior to capture and the subsequent torture, savage beatings, and innumerable interrogations, he resisted all attempts by the North Vietnamese to use him in propaganda programs detrimental to the United States and in subversion of the United States military organization. In a tireless and exemplary fashion, Chief Warrant Officer Frederick unified the prisoners of war around him and consistently inspired resistance to an enemy who ignored international agreements concerning the treatment of such prisoners. By his personal example, courageous stamina, and total dedication to duty throughout his lengthy confinement, Chief Warrant Officer Frederick reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Chief Warrant OfficerDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
December 7, 1965 – July 19, 1972
Chief Warrant Officer John William Frederick, Jr. (MCSN: WO-82847/397561), United States Marine Corps, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from December 7, 1965 until his death in captivity on or about July 19, 1972.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Chief Warrant OfficerDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 1966 – June 1967`
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Chief Warrant Officer John William Frederick, Jr. (MCSN: WO-82847/397561), United States Marine Corps, for meritorious achievement while interned as a Prisoner of war in Southeast Asia from May 1966 to June 1967. Under constant enemy harassment, threat of torture and brutal treatment, and handicapped by his own severe injuries, Chief Warrant Officer Frederick continued to establish and maintain communications. He devised many unusual and ingenious methods which enabled American and Allied prisoners of war to present a posture of increased resistance to the enemy’s wishes and at the same time improved the prisoners’ morale. By his courageous endeavors, ingenuity, and total devotion to duty under the adverse conditions caused by his injuries and the hostile environment, Chief Warrant Officer Frederick reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Chief Warrant Officer John William Frederick, Jr. (MCSN: WO-82847/397561), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. Chief Warrant Officer Frederick reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Chief Warrant OfficerDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
May 1966 – April 1967
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Chief Warrant Officer John William Frederick, Jr. (MCSN: WO-82847/397561), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia from May 1966 to April 1967. Despite severe injuries which resulted from maltreatment and severe cruelties, Chief Warrant Officer Frederick steadfastly refused to cooperate with his captors in their attempt to gain tactical information. Although long periods of solitary confinement for such offenses as refusing to bow or provide biographical information weakened his physical condition, he was not detracted from his dogged resistance. Refusing at all times to give in to the enemy, he provided a personal example and source of strength to his fellow prisoners. With full knowledge that his tenacious resistance could only arouse worse treatment, he showed extraordinary courage and determination, adhering to a Code of Conduct to an extent far beyond that which could reasonably be expected. By his resourcefulness and leadership in the face of great adversity, Chief Warrant Officer Frederick reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Technical SergeantBatallion:
Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 542 (VMF(AW)-542)Action Date:
September 21 – December 11, 1950
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Technical Sergeant John William Frederick, Jr. (MCSN: WO-82847/397561), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as an Airborne Intercept Operator attached to Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron FIVE HUNDRED FORTY-TWO (VMF(AW)-542), during operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea, from 21 September to 11 December 1950. Completing thirty-five missions during this period, Technical Sergeant Frederick participated in combat flights against the enemy, primarily at night in adverse weather conditions and over mountainous terrain, thereby contributing materially to the success of his aircraft. His courage, skill and devotion to duty in the face of grave hazards were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.