The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Master Sergeant John J. Fredericks (ASN: 0-1998070), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Company I, 3d Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy in Korea. On 14 September 1950, near Saga, Korea, during an assault on a strongly fortified enemy position, Lieutenant Fredericks’ platoon was subjected to concerted hostile fire. Remaining in an exposed position, he expertly directed the deployment and fire of his platoon, inflicting severe casualties on the foe. When the intensity of enemy fire necessitated displacement, he remained to provide covering fire and assist in evacuation of the wounded. Lieutenant Fredericks’ courageous leadership and staunch devotion to duty and to his comrades reflect great credit upon himself and uphold the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.


