John Bagster Fretwell

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John Bagster Fretwell (0-92067), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 May 1967, during Operation Union II, First Lieutenant Fretwell’s platoon was assigned the mission of seizing an enemy infested treeline, located across approximately 100 meters of open, fire-swept rice paddies. Although constantly subjected to intense enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire, he skillfully maneuvered his platoon into position. Realizing the importance of supporting fires, he ably directed air strikes and artillery fire, often within seventy-five meters of his position, and then fearlessly and aggressively led the assault against the enemy. Frequently engaging the enemy in hand-to-hand combat throughout the six and one half hours of fighting, the Marines seized the treeline. Immediately consolidating his position, First Lieutenant Fretwell organized a perimeter defense and expeditiously evacuated his casualties. His resolute determination and exemplary leadership were instrumental in the defeat of the enemy and were an inspiration to all who served with him. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Fretwell upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to John Bagster Fretwell (0-92067), First Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 26 May 1967, during Operation Union II, First Lieutenant Fretwell’s platoon was assigned the mission of seizing an enemy infested treeline, located across approximately 100 meters of open, fire-swept rice paddies. Although constantly subjected to intense enemy mortar and automatic weapons fire, he skillfully maneuvered his platoon into position. Realizing the importance of supporting fires, he ably directed air strikes and artillery fire, often within seventy-five meters of his position, and then fearlessly and aggressively led the assault against the enemy. Frequently engaging the enemy in hand-to-hand combat throughout the six and one half hours of fighting, the Marines seized the treeline. Immediately consolidating his position, First Lieutenant Fretwell organized a perimeter defense and expeditiously evacuated his casualties. His resolute determination and exemplary leadership were instrumental in the defeat of the enemy and were an inspiration to all who served with him. By his courage, bold initiative and unwavering devotion to duty, First Lieutenant Fretwell upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Authority: Headquarters: Fleet Marine Force, Pacific