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 pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Donald Jerome Frazelle, United States Army, for gallantry in action against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Frazelle distinguished himself by intrepid actions on 10 March 1971 while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division. On that date, the company was conducting combat operations when it suddenly came under intense small arms fire from an unknown size enemy force. Reacting immediately to the urgency of the situation, Lieutenant Frazelle began directing his men into defensive positions when he was critically wounded by the hostile fire. Despite the pain of his injury, he unhesitatingly refused medical evacuation and began directing artillery fire against the enemy emplacements. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he continued to encourage his fellow soldiers and assisted helicopter gunships in pin-pointing the hostile targets. Maneuvering under the most adverse conditions, he maintained his fire against the enemy until his element was relieved and he was evacuated from the area. Through his timely and courageous actions, he contributed greatly in preventing casualties among his comrades and served as an inspiration to his entire company. First Lieutenant Frazelle’s personal heroism, professional competence, and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 23d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

Awards Received

  • Soldier’s Medal

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    4th Battalion

    Regiment:

    31st Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    23d Infantry Division (Americal)

    Action Date:

    February 6, 1971

    Headquarters, 23d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 3690 (March 29, 1971)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pride in presenting the Soldier’s Medal (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Donald Jerome Frazelle, United States Army, for heroism at the risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. First Lieutenant Frazelle distinguished himself by heroic actions on 6 February 1971 while serving as a Platoon Leader with Company A, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 23d Infantry Division. On that date, an element of the company was at Landing Zone SIBERIA when a CH-47 helicopter crashed and burst into flames while attempting to land. Reacting immediately to the urgency of the situation, Lieutenant Frazelle expertly organized rescue teams to reach the trapped passengers and crewman. Through his timely and courageous actions, Lieutenant Frazelle was instrumental in saving the lives of several injured personnel trapped in the wreckage and served as an inspiration to his entire unit. His personal heroism and unselfish concern for his fellow soldiers are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 23d Infantry Division, and the United States Army.