Billy E. Fritts

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Billy E. Fritts (0-39276), Major (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with an Infantry Battalion of the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Major Fritts distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Sokkogae, Korea, on the afternoon of 11 July 1953. On that date, Major Fritts voluntarily elected to remain with a battalion which was relieving his unit in defense of an outpost. Recognizing the need for accurate artillery fire on the attacking enemy, Major Fritts proceeded through an intense barrage to an exposed observation post. While he was calling in effective fire on the hostile forces, his bunker was subjected to heavy shelling by a large caliber enemy gun. It was apparent that destruction of the bunker was inevitable, but Major Fritts, although knocked from his feet several times, continued to direct deadly fire into the ranks of the attacking force. A direct hit finally destroyed the bunker and Major Fritts was killed instantly. Through his courageous and completely selfless actions, Major Fritts had inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy and contributed materially to the successful evacuation of the position and the saving of many lives.
Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 910 (October 5, 1953)