Описание: OFFICIAL AFTER ACTION REPORT FOLLOWS: U.S.M.C. PFC Joseph Augustus Friel (MCSN: 2209039) PFC Joseph Augustus Friel, C Company, 1st Bn, 26th Marines, 3rd MARD, III MAF. Hometown: Chelsea, Massachusetts. After his 1963 H.S. graduation he moved to Roxbury, Massachusetts and later joined the U.S.M.C. Reserves. Approximately 1 year later he distinguished himself by earning the "SILVER STAR". He gave his life by rescuing 3 wounded Marines, one at a time, and on the attempt to rescue the 4th wounded Marine he was killed by a burst of automatic weapons fire on Sept. 21, 1966. His company was in Quang Tri province and was involved in "OPERATION DECKHOUSE IV" fighting against the NVA. "Operation DECKHOUSE IV" was conducted by the 7th Fleet's Special Landing Force Bravo (Battalion Landing Team 1/26) as an adjunct to "Operation PRAIRIE". The battle was brutal, as most were, and he performed with the utmost of valor. Although "DECKHOUSE IV" officially ended on the 18th, BLT 1/26 stayed in support of "PRAIRIE" until the 25th. The operation claimed at least 200 NVA killed at a cost of 37 Marines and sailors killed in action and another 167 wounded. Pfc Joseph Augustus Friel, my schoolmate, "THIS BUD IS FOR YOU". Silver Star Citation (full) POSTED ON 9/21/13 - BY A MARINE, QUANG TRI, VIETNAM Silver Star Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph A. Friel (MCSN: 2209039), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with the Third Platoon, Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, during an operation against North Vietnamese forces in the vicinity of Gio Linh District, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, on the morning of 21 September 1966. While moving forward o the left flank of the company, Private First Class Friel's platoon was taken under heavy automatic weapons fire from several well-concealed, fortified positions. Unselfishly disregarding his own safety, he rushed forward to cover several men who had been seriously wounded in the initial exchange of fire. He then courageously exposed himself to the withering enemy fire to go to the assistance of three wounded Marines, and making three separate trips, carried them to the rear. As he moved forward to aid a fourth fallen comrade lying where the company's lead elements were heavily engaged, Private First Class Friel was killed by a burst of automatic weapons fire before he could reach the injured man. By his outstanding valor in the face of hostile fire, perseverance and unswerving devotion to duty Private First Class Friel upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. Action Date: 21-Sep-66 Service: Marine Corps Rank: Private First Class Company: Company C Battalion: 1st Battalion Regiment: 26th Marines Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF Three were saved, one was lost. I guess some might say it was a good trade. Guts and youth honorably wrapped up in a fancy uniform then sent to the battle in search of justice and glory????? I could not live up to the uniform, I lack an important ingredient and that is called "guts". Joe was serving as a 'FIRE TEAM LEADER'; Fire team leaders are soldiers who lead by example. Instead of commanding from their offices or command centers, they lead by example among their soldiers. Within the framework of their mission and the instructions of their squad leader, team leaders must make on-the-spot decisions on how to organize and deploy their team members. They must also be ready to take on the role of squad leader, if necessary. They are indispensable members of an infantry battalion line of command, particularly during offensive and defensive operations when the fluid conditions on the battlefield determine how units must operate. Obviously Joe performed his duties in a exemplary manner. "By his outstanding valor in the face of hostile fire, perseverance and unswerving devotion to duty Private First Class Friel upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service"
Tags:
Поиск и фотоизображения предоставлены компанией Flickr с помощью сервиса Flickr API согласно Правилам пользования сайтом Flick.com и его сервисами. Графические изображения являются публичными, размещёнными их авторами в свободный доступ (Public) и физически расположены на серверах Flickr. Все права на фотографии принадлежат их авторам согласно пользовательскому соглашению сервиса Flickr.com и охраняются законами, регулирующими авторские права.
