Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Moritz
Paul
Fromme
, Jr.
DNB (1960)
May 1, 1928

–

March 29, 1960

Cemetery:

Keokuk National Cemetery

Moritz Fromme and Private First Class Ralph Davis, the aero-medical specialist in his rescue helicopter, both earned Silver Stars on May 19, 1951, for their rescue of Captain William Strand who had been shot down in enemy territory. It was Fromme’s second award of the Silver Star. He was killed in 1960 when he tried to parachute from a disabled jet plane. He was making a landing approach after a 2 1/2 hour target mission flight over the Sacramento Valley. He radioed the radar-controller he had only “minimum fuel” at 1500 feet altitude. Seconds afterwards, the pilot radioed that he and the co-pilot were bailing out. Both men were killed.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    3d Air Rescue Squadron

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    Korean War
    Headquarters, I Corps, General Orders No. 164 (October 14, 1951)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Moritz P. Fromme, Jr. (AFSN: AO-1903080), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an unarmed H-5 Rescue Helicopter of Detachment ONE, 3d Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in action in Korea, on in 1951. The gallantry, disregard for personal safety, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Fromme were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    3d Air Rescue Squadron

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May 19, 1951
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 550 (November 26, 1951)

    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 Silver Star to First Lieutenant Moritz Paul Fromme, Jr. (AFSN: AO-1903080), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an H-5 Rescue Helicopter of Detachment ONE, 3d Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in action near Korang-pori, Korea, on 19 May 1951. Hearing that a United Nations pilot was in distress and unable to return to friendly territory in his damaged aircraft, Lieutenant Fromme flew his unarmed and highly vulnerable H-5 helicopter fifty miles into enemy-held territory to make the rescue. Approaching the locale of the downed pilot, the helicopter was subjected to a barrage of enemy small arms fire. Determined to rescue the pilot, Lieutenant Fromme directed friendly fighters to the area in an attempt to neutralize the enemy fire as he descended. As he reached a lower altitude, his helicopter was struck and seriously damaged. Despite the damage, Lieutenant Fromme continued his descent, landed and rescued the pilot from certain capture. The gallantry, disregard for personal safety, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Fromme were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself, the FAR EAST Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.