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 Captain John William Frye, Jr. (AFSN: 0-50274), United States Air Force, for gallantry in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force as a C -130 Pilot of the 817th Tactical Airlift Squadron, in Southeast Asia on 12 December 1967. On that date, Captain Frye conducted a most daring and skillful night mission against hostile forces. He voluntarily sought out and illuminated a heavily defended hostile supply center and directed strike aircraft to its destruction. To do so, Captain Frye repeatedly flew his unarmed aircraft full of incendiary flares through intense anti-aircraft fire from more than 15 batteries for a period of four hours. Though under constant attack, the marked and illuminated his target so accurately and directed the attack forces so skillfully that seven of the hostile anti-aircraft guns were silenced, a large munitions storage area was utterly destroyed and the roads leading to it were rendered unusable, all without the loss of a single friendly aircraft. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Frye has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Awards Received
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders No. G-149 (January 6, 1969)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John William Frye, Jr. (AFSN: 0-50274), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130 pilot at Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam on 30 March 1968. On that date, Captain Frye and his crew participated in an emergency re-supply operation to Khe Sanh during the height of that battle. He and his crew made a deliver of vital munitions by a unique method never before tried in combat. This delivery required an extremely precise maneuver so close to the ground that there was not the slightest margin for error. In order to accomplish this crucial mission Captain Frye had to fly, at low altitude and low speed, through an area defended by seasoned hostile forces heavily armed with anti-aircraft weapons. He had to execute the delivery maneuver perfectly while subject to their fire. Because of his courage and skill this pioneering mission was an outstanding success, paving the way for many more to follow and substantially contributing to more effective support of our courageous ground forces. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Frye reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain John William Frye, Jr. (AFSN: 0-50274), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a C-130A Pilot in Southeast Asia on 23 February 1967. On that date, Major Frye engaged in combat operations against an opposing hostile force by participating in the aerial delivery of vital munitions and paratroops into Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam, in support of a special mission. Major Frye flew an extremely hazardous mission to a drop zone in an area of intense hostile ground fire and deteriorating weather. Through Major Frye’s courageous and skillful actions, the precious supplies were delivered to the embattled forces, thereby contributing immeasurably to the final success of the operation. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Major Frye reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.