Moritz P. Fromme

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 First Lieutenant Moritz P. Fromme, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as a helicopter pilot, Detachment 1, 3d Air Rescue Squadron, FIFTH Air Force, in action near Korang-pori, Korea, on 19 May 1951. Hearing that a United Nations pilot was in distress and unable to return to friendly territory in his damaged aircraft, Lieutenant Fromme flew his unarmed and highly vulnerable H-5 helicopter fifty miles into enemy held territory to make the rescue. Approaching the locale of the downed pilot, the helicopter was subjected to a barrage of enemy small arms fire. Determined to rescue the pilot, Lieutenant Fromme directed friendly fighters to the area in an attempt to neutralize the enemy fire as he descended. As he reached a lower altitude, his helicopter was struck and seriously damaged. Despite the damage, Lieutenant Fromme continued his descent, landed and rescued the pilot from certain capture. The gallantry, disregard for personal safety, and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant Fromme were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.