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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Medical Corps), [then First Lieutenant] Frederick Firestone (ASN: 0-550046), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the Medical Detachment, 411th Infantry Regiment, 103d Infantry Division. On 29 November 1944 on the outskirts of Barr, France, informed that a seriously wounded man could not be evacuated, Captain Firestone, Battalion Surgeon, secured a plasma set and ran 100 yards through hostile fire to the casualty and administered aid. Later in the day, after several unsuccessful attempts to reach a seriously wounded tank commander lying in a fire-swept street, Captain Firestone ran from house to house until directly opposite the casualty. He then crawled into the street and dragged the man into a building where he administered aid. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Medical Corps)

    Regiment:

    411th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    103d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    March 21, 1945
    Headquarters, 103d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 92 (1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Medical Corps) Frederick Firestone (ASN: 0-550046), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with the Medical Detachment, 411th Infantry Regiment, 103d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy on 21 March 1945 in Germany. On that date, two men too severely wounded to be moved were left on a field within 30 yards of enemy machinegun fire when their company was forced to withdraw. Captain Firestone, realizing their precarious position, went to their aid. Although he identified himself to the enemy as a medical officer, he was subjected to intense machinegun fire. With utter disregard for his life Captain Firestone, followed by a litter team, crawled 300 yards to the wounded men and oblivious of the enemy fire administered plasma, rendered medical aid and supervised their evacuation. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.