Navy Federal Credit Union

(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 Corporal Robert Aloysius Fries (ASN: 33076867), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a member of the Air Crew of a Heavy Bomber in the 31st Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), THIRTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Southwest Pacific Theater of Operations, in 1943. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Corporal Fries, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Corporal

    Batallion:

    31st Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    5th Bombardment Group (H)

    Division:

    13th Air Force

    Action Date:

    July 31, 1942

    Headquarters, Hawaiian Department, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 140 (August 26, 1942)

    (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 Corporal Robert Aloysius Fries (ASN: 33076867), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Waist Gunner on a B-17 Heavy Bomber in Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group (H), THIRTEENTH Air Force, in action against enemy Japanese aerial forces during a Photo Reconnaissance Mission on 31 July 1942, over Wake Island. Corporal Fries was a member of the crew of a B-17 flown by Major Glober that flew 1,300 miles to Wake Island to perform a photo reconnaissance, despite the fact that two previous attempts had been tried and the crews never returned. Major Glober made three passes over the island, one at 2,000 ft., a second at 4,000 ft. and the last at 6,000 ft. On being attacked by six enemy fighter aircraft, Corporal Fries assisted in manning the guns and succeeded in beating off the attack, during which he displayed unusual determination and aggressiveness. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Corporal Fries on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 13th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.