Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Benjamin
Wall
Fridge
August 28, 1916

–

June 6, 2001

Born:

Alexandria

, 

Louisiana

Home:

Baton Rouge

, 

Louisiana

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

After serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II, Benjamin Fridge transferred t the new U.S. Air Force in 1947. He became a jet pilot, F-104 Squadron Commander and graduated from the Air War College. He was assigned to the Pentagon and, in the 1960s, served as Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower, Personnel and Reserve Forces. He retired as a Major General on August 28, 1976

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    345th Bombardment Group (M)

    Division:

    5th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 2, 1942
    Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 74 (August 2, 1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major (Air Corps) Benjamin Wall Fridge (ASN: 0-365107), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-25 Medium Bomber in the 345th Bombardment Group (M), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 2 November 1942, against enemy surface vessels at Rabaul. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Major Fridge on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.