John D. Frederick

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to John D. Frederick (0-12453), Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, in action against enemy forces on 23 February 1945, at Manila, Philippine Islands. Colonel Frederick, in command of an infantry regiment, was charged with the mission of attacking and seizing Fort Santiago and a section of the Walled City of Manila. This difficult and hazardous maneuver demanded a daylight crossing of the Pasig River at a point three hundred seventy-five feet in width, followed immediately by direct assault on a strongly fortified bastion under constant enemy observation and defended by heavy fire from many automatic weapons. Colonel Frederick led his regiment with such outstanding success that it not only seized its initial objective, but continued to advance for seven hundred yards into the Walled City itself. In preparation and execution of this attack Colonel Frederick’s tactical skill, gallant leadership and personal courage were of the highest order, and exemplified the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States, reflecting great credit upon himself, the 37th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.