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 Staff Sergeant Fritz Collin Prater (ASN: RA-18561680), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Prater distinguished himself on 21 November 1968 while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company C, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission near Ap My Quoi, Kien Hoa Province. When his platoon came under intense fire from hostile forces in well fortified bunkers, Sergeant Prater, without regard for his own safety, moved forward through the barrage to a position from which he could clearly determine the enemy’s position and maneuvered his element upon them, putting the enemy to rout. Staff Sergeant Prater’s extraordinary heroism in close combat against an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Fritz Collin Prater (ASN: RA-18561680), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Prater distinguished himself on 29 December 1968 while serving as a Platoon Sergeant with Company C, 3d Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, on a reconnaissance in force mission southeast of Mo Cay. After his platoon came under a sudden barrage of hostile fire, Sergeant Prater courageously led a squad of men across fire-swept terrain to flank the enemy positions. By drawing most of the hostile fire, he enabled the rest of the platoon to flank the enemy on the opposite side and, caught in a cross-fire, the hostile force was forced to withdraw. Staff Sergeant Prater’s extraordinary heroism in close combat with an armed hostile force is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.