Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Gary Nelson Frye (ASN: RA-14909451), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Private First Class Frye distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous action on 28 October 1966, while serving as a radio-telephone operator with an artillery forward observer party attached to Company C, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), during a search and destroy mission near Bong Son in the Republic of Vietnam. When his unit was taken under intense enemy automatic weapons fire, Private First Class Frye immediately detected the source of the enemy fire and promptly began directing the company’s return fire. In the temporary absence of his artillery forward observer, Private First Class Frye called in accurate suppressive fire onto the enemy positions. After being relieved by the forward observer, Private First Class Frye, with complete disregard for his own safety, raced forward under intense enemy fire to aid a wounded comrade. Finding the man mortally wounded, Private First Class Frye moved under fire to another casualty, carried the soldier to a covered position, then helped the company Aidman administer first aid. Private First Class Frye’s display of personal bravery and devotion to duty stands in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received