The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Hospitalman Bradford T. Fredette (NSN: 6826136), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company E, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 December 1965, during Operation HARVEST MOON, Company E was assigned the mission of assaulting a fortified insurgent communist (Viet Cong) position. Soon after the Company crossed the line of departure, the platoon to which Hospitalman Fredette was assigned began sustaining casualties from automatic weapons and mortar fire. Ignoring the intense fire, he selflessly exposed himself in order to aid his fallen comrades. Once Marine had received a puncture wound in the throat, preventing him from breathing properly. With a calm and thoroughly professional manner, Hospitalman Fredette expertly performed a tracheotomy, thereby undoubtedly saving the life of the Marine. As his Company continued in the assault, they received several more casualties. Hospitalman Fredette persisted in his tireless and heroic efforts, moving from man to man, rendering effective aid and comfort. When the enemy mortar fire ceased, enemy infantry counterattacked his unit. Realizing the impending danger, he unhesitatingly picked up an M79 grenade launcher from a fallen Marine and delivered accurate fire upon the advancing enemy, causing the enemy to withdraw. Again demonstrating his seemingly inexhaustible energy, he established a temporary aid station for the further treatment and subsequent evacuation of the wounded. By his heroic actions, exceptional professional ability and tireless devotion to duty throughout, Hospitalman Fredette was responsible for saving the lives and reducing the suffering of many Marines and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.