The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Field Artillery) John O. Frerichs (ASN: 0-350027), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with the 197th Field Artillery Battalion, 30th Infantry Division, on 7 August 1944, in France. Major Frerichs was assigned to duty as Operations Officer with a field artillery organization during an extensive attack against enemy-held terrain. An enemy counterattack, spearheaded with enemy infantrymen supported by tanks, beset one of the elements of his organization and Major Frerichs, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved hurriedly forward to supervise the defense of his positions, moving across terrain under direct observation from the enemy. His courageous and skillful leadership resulted in repulsing the enemy counterattack, and although wounded, Major Frerichs continued to personally direct his men until the enemy had been forced to withdraw. The courage and aggressive devotion to duty displayed by Major Frerichs reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Armed Forces.