After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in Oceanography, Laurence Friese joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He later completed Naval Flight Officer Training and Bombardier/Navigator training before serving as an A-6 Intruder Pilot. He was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on February 24, 1968, and was held until his release on March 4, 1973.
Sponsored by:
Laurence
Victor
Friese
POW (RVN)
March 6, 1942
–
Born:
Huron
,
South Dakota
Home:
Huron
,
South Dakota
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Bronze Star Medal
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Prisoner of War Medal
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
February – November 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Laurence Victor Friese (MCSN: 0-91579), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity from February to November 1968 while interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Despite the fact that he was consistently maltreated and subjected to severe cruelties, Captain Friese refused to cooperate with his captors in any manner. He displayed an exceptionally high degree of determination and resolve and provided his fellow prisoners both an example to emulate and a source of encouragement. Fully aware his resistance to the enemy would arouse increased wrath and harsher punishment, he nonetheless persevered in his resistance. Through his exceptional courage and determination in the face of extreme adversities, Captain Friese reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps, the Naval Service, and the United States Armed Forces.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain Laurence Victor Friese (MCSN: 0-91579), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an A-6 Intruder bombardier with Marine Attack Squadron FIVE HUNDRED THIRTY-THREE, VMA(AW)-533, Marine Air Group 12, in action in Southeast Asia in 1967/1968. His gallant and untiring devotion to duty was at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Bronze Star Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
February 24, 1968 – March 4, 1973
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Captain Laurence Victor Friese (MCSN: 0-91579), United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement while interned as a Prisoner of War in Southeast Asia. Captain Friese’s resistance to his captors use of physical and mental torture in order to obtain information demonstrated his devotion to duty and the United States, strictly adhering to the Code of Conduct. Subjected to the adverse conditions of the prisons of Southeast Asia and harsh treatment of his captors, Captain Friese was forced to rely on his own inner strength in order to resist efforts to subjugate him. By his steadfast performance of duty, courage, and dedication, he reflected great credit upon himself, the Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service. [The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.]
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Prisoner of War Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainDivision:
Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)Action Date:
February 24, 1968 – March 4, 1973
Captain Laurence Victor Friese (MCSN: 0-91579), United States Marine Corps, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from February 24, 1968 until his release on March 4, 1973.