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By direction of the President, under the provisions of the act of Congress approved July 9, 1918 (Bul. No. 43, W.D., 1918), First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles F. Frizzell, United States Army, is cited by the Commanding General, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, and a silver star may be placed upon the ribbon of the World War I Victory Medals awarded him. While serving with the 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, at Le Charmel, France, on 22 July 1918, Lieutenant Frizzell was conspicuous for his bravery in action. After establishing a line on the right of La Charmel, Lieutenant Frizzell fearlessly made a personal reconnaissance alone, to ascertain the position and strength of the enemy. He was fired upon and severely wounded but managed to crawl back to an outpost with valuable information. The company was ordered to fall back in order to reorganize the line but Lieutenant Frizzell refused to let his men burden themselves by carrying him to the rear and before aid could be sent to him he was captured. [A Distinguished Service Cross was awarded for this action.]

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Regiment:

    38th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces

    Action Date:

    July 22, 1918
    War Department, General Orders No. 19 (1920)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Charles F. Frizzell, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action while serving with 38th Infantry Regiment, 3d Division, American Expeditionary Forces, near Le Charmel, France, 22 July 1918. While making a personal reconnaissance in front of our lines Lieutenant Frizzell was seriously wounded, but crawled to the rear to a patrol with valuable information. He ordered that he be left behind and that the patrol return with the information he had obtained. The patrol returned and he, unable to resist by fighting, was later taken prisoner by the advancing enemy.