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 Second Lieutenant (Infantry) Frank Leslie Dietrich (ASN: 0-78799/0-954068), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as a member of the Heavy Mortar Company, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in Korea. On 24 July 1950 the Heavy Mortar Company, under severe tank-supported infantry attacks in the vicinity of Sangyang, Korea, was being provided tactical support by fighter aircraft whose strafing attacks were endangering the security of the company position. Observing that his company was unable to deliver fire because of the strafing, Lieutenant Dietrich moved forward under intense fire to display an identification panel. Strafing attacks ended abruptly and the Heavy Mortar Company resumed firing and repulsed the enemy attack. Lieutenant Dietrich’s prompt and courageous action in this critical situation reflected great credit upon himself and his actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service.
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Cemetery:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Distinguished Service Cross
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Second Lieutenant (Infantry)Regiment:
27th Infantry RegimentDivision:
25th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
July 24, 1950
Headquarters, 25th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 55 (August 13, 1950) -
Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant]Batallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
504th Parachute Infantry RegimentDivision:
82d Airborne DivisionAction Date:
December 25, 1943
Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 51 (August 30, 1944)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant [then Sergeant] Frank Leslie Dietrich (ASN: 36157239), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action in Italy on 25 December 1943. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.
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Distinguished Service Cross
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
2d Battalion (Airborne)Regiment:
502d Airborne Infantry Regiment, 1st BrigadeDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
November 9 – 11, 1966
Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 496 (February 1, 1967)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Infantry) Frank L. Dietrich (ASN: 0-78799/0-954068), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Colonel Dietrich distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions during the period 9 to 11 November 1966 while commanding the 2d Battalion, 502d Infantry on a search and destroy operation near Tuy Hoa. On the morning of 9 November, he was informed that contact had been made with an entrenched North Vietnamese Army battalion. Quickly assessing the situation from a command and control helicopter, Colonel Dietrich brilliantly maneuvered his troops, and by nightfall the hostile force was surrounded. As the battle raged on into the next morning, he boldly joined his men on the ground. Unmindful of the extreme danger, he moved throughout the battlefield to assist his subordinate commanders and comfort the wounded. On 11 November Colonel Dietrich dauntlessly climbed to the top of a tree with a radio to direct the conflict. Remaining exposed in this perilous position for two hours, he courageously deployed the ground elements and supervised the broadcast of surrender appeals. As the battle progressed, he completely disregarded his safety by running across 100 meters of bullet-swept terrain, and led a successful assault on a stubborn North Vietnamese position. Then, accompanied only by his radio operator, Colonel Dietrich moved through 800 meters of dense jungle to another engaged platoon. Moving to the front, he again braved the intense insurgent fire to encourage his men forward. His unimpeachable valor and aggressive leadership under fierce hostile fire contributed immeasurably to the defeat of a determined hostile force. Lieutenant Colonel Dietrich’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (Infantry)Batallion:
2d Battalion (Airborne)Regiment:
502d Infantry Regiment, 1st BrigadeDivision:
101st Airborne DivisionAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: 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 Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Colonel (Infantry) Frank Leslie Dietrich (ASN: 0-78799/0-954068), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 502d Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, in action against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, 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.