Joseph L. Freitas, Jr.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Joseph L. Freitas, Jr. (0-20266), Major, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving with a Marine Observation Squadron, in Korea, on 14 September 1952. Serving as a Helicopter Pilot, Major Freitas displayed outstanding courage, initiative and professional skill. Upon receiving an urgent request for a helicopter evacuation for a critically wounded Marine, he unhesitatingly left the main squadron base and flew through total darkness and intense fog to a position directly over the helicopter strip at the battalion command post. Despite the lack of communications and the increasing density of the fog, he expressed complete disregard for his personal safety and guided the helicopter to the invisible strip with only two ordinary flashlights as beacons. After receiving the casualty, he again took off in the fog and successfully evacuated the near-dead Marine. Major Freitas’ gallant and courageous actions were instrumental in saving the man’s life and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.