The President of the United States of America, under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Fred George Ferris (ASN: 0-1317284), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving as Commanding Officer of Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Captain Ferris distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Chinch-on, Korea, on 3 and 4 July 1951. On the evening of 3 July 1951, Captain Ferris’ company, given the mission of attacking and securing an enemy-held hill, launched a determined assault against the hostile positions. As the friendly troops reached the slope of the objective, a devastating volume of enemy fire pinned them down. Exposing himself to the intense fire, Captain Ferris, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved among his men, reorganizing them in a skirmish line. Then, shouting words of encouragement to them he led the friendly troops in a fierce assault that drove the hostile troops from their positions and secured the objective. In the early morning hours of 4 July 1951, the defensive perimeter set up by Captain Ferris was attacked by the fanatically determined enemy. Again he exposed himself to the hostile fire in order to direct artillery fife against the on-rushing enemy troops. To stop the hostile force, Captain Ferris directed an artillery barrage to within a short distance of his own position. In the ensuing action the enemy assault was crushed by the heavy volume of artillery fire but Captain Ferris was killed by shrapnel from an artillery shell which fell near his command post. The extraordinary heroism and completely selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Ferris were directly responsible for repulsing the enemy attack. The courage, indomitable fortitude, and inspiring leadership displayed by Captain Ferris reflect the highest credit on himself and the United States Army.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry)Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
7th Infantry RegimentDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
April 25, 1951
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 326 (July 28, 1951)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) Fred G. Ferris (ASN: 0-1317284), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 April 1951, near Tosong-ni, Korea, during the withdrawal of the 1st Battalion from untenable positions on Hill 283, Captain Ferris fearlessly exposed himself to intense automatic weapons fire and organized the rear guard of the First Platoon to cover the withdrawal. During the ensuing action, enemy artillery fire inflicted heavy casualties on the rear elements. Although the enemy was closing in from three directions and despite the fact that he himself was slightly wounded, Captain Ferris braved the hostile fire sweeping the area and administered first aid to the more seriously wounded. After personally carrying one stricken infantryman halfway down the hill to a litter team, he returned for another and assisted in evacuating him to safety. Throughout the entire action, Captain Ferris effectively controlled accurate covering fire which enabled the friendly troops to make a successful withdrawal. Captain Ferris’ exceptional gallantry, aggressiveness, and exemplary leadership reflects the highest credit upon himself and the military service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant]Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
7th Infantry RegimentDivision:
3d Infantry DivisionAction Date:
May 25, 1951
Headquarters, 3d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 311 (July 25, 1951)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] Fred G. Ferris (ASN: 0-1317284), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 25 May 1951, near Chungchon-ni, Korea, while attacking a series of well-defended enemy emplacements on Hill 912, Captain Ferris’ platoon was pinned down by a withering barrage of hostile fire. Unhesitatingly moving forward to an exposed position, Captain Ferris quickly organized an assault group and launched a fierce attack against the enemy fortifications. The enemy defense collapsed before the furious onslaught and the objective was secured with a minimum of friendly casualties. Captain Ferris’ gallant actions and aggressive leadership reflects great credit upon himself and exemplify the high traditions of the military service.