Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Staff Sergeant

    Action Date:

    November 3, 1965

    Department of the Army, General Orders No. 42 (October 4, 1966)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Staff Sergeant William O. Freyser, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy while serving as an Assistant Field Advisor, Special Forces Group (Airborne) with the Republic of Korea Army, in the vicinity of Seoul, Korea on 3 November 1965. Sergeant Freyser was participating in a practice parachute jump when some of the jumpers landed in the deep and dangerous waters of the Han River. As one of the last to leave the aircraft, he managed to land on the bank of the river. Quickly un-harnessing himself from his equipment, he disregarded his own safety, plunged into the water, and swam as fast as he could to aid a Korean soldier who was being submerged by the pull of his parachute and heavy combat equipment. Despite the strong current, Sergeant Freyser reached the stricken man and pulled him to shallow water in time to prevent a drowning. Sergeant Freyser’s heroic conduct and profound concern for his fellow man are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.