The Secretary of Defense of the United States of America has presented the Defense Distinguished Service Medal to for exceptionally distinguished performance of duty contributing to national security and the defense of the United States to Major General Waldo Drake Freeman, Jr. (ASN: OF-101444), United States Army. The distinctive accomplishments of Major General Freeman reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
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Soldier’s Medal
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Silver Star
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Army Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Waldo Drake Freeman, Jr. (ASN: OF-101444), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. Major General Freeman distinguished himself from 1994 to 1996. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Freeman culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his and reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Army Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
August 1988 – June 1990
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Waldo Drake Freeman, Jr. (ASN: OF-101444), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. Brigadier General Freeman distinguished himself as Program Manager, Saudi Arabian National Guard MOD Program, from August 1988 to June 1990. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Brigadier General Freeman and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Soldier’s Medal
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
26th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
July 25, 1968
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 9263 (September 2, 1968)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 Captain (Infantry) Waldo Drake Freeman, Jr. (ASN: OF-101444), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, on 25 July 1968. On this date, Captain Freeman was serving as Company Commander of Company B, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force operation southeast of An Loc. As the point element entered the village from the south, the left flank security inadvertently entered an unmarked friendly minefield. The lead man was seriously injured and began bleeding profusely when he detonated a mine. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Freeman probed the ground with his bayonet as he maneuvered through the treacherous area followed by two companions. When he reached the casualty, Captain Freeman immediately prepared the man for removal from his perilous position. He led the group back through the minefield and to an evacuation helicopter. The exemplary courage, professionalism, and selfless concern for a comrade demonstrated by Captain Freeman were directly responsible for saving the soldier’s life. Captain Freeman’s heroic actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
26th Infantry RegimentDivision:
1st Infantry DivisionAction Date:
June 16, 1968
Headquarters, 1st Infantry Division, General Orders No. 10292 (September 27, 1968)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 Captain (Infantry) Waldo Drake Freeman, Jr. (ASN: OF-101444), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 June 1968. On this date, Captain Freeman was serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, with his unit which was sent to reinforce another beleaguered friendly force three kilometers south of Di An. As he fearlessly led his elements into the area of contact, they were subjected to intense fire from well-fortified enemy emplacements. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Captain Freeman maneuvered through the hail of hostile rounds from man to man shouting instructions and giving encouragement. He repeatedly exposed himself to the Viet Cong barrages in his tireless effort to overcome the insurgents and was wounded by both shrapnel and small arms fire. Ignoring his painful injury, he continued directing his elements in the evacuation of the other unit’s casualties until contact was broken. His exemplary courage, outstanding professional leadership, and selfless concern for his comrades were instrumental in saving many lives, and significantly contributed toward the successful accomplishment of his company’s mission. Captain Freeman’s unquestionable valor in close combat against numerically superior hostile forces is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.