United States Army
Bronze Star



AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR
WITH "V" DEVICE (FIRST OAK LEAF CLUSTER)
(POSTHUMOUS)

CITATION

For heroism in ground combat against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam on 15 February 1969.    SP4 Fry distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman in Company A, 3d Battalion, 187th Infantry, on a combat operation near Fire Support Base Mexico, Republic of Vietnam.    At approximately 1430 hrs on the cited date, the Second Platoon of Company A was moving along a ridge line when the lead element spotted a bunker complex and movement in a valley directly to its front.   An assaulting element was immediately organized. As the friendly element attacked the fortified enemy emplacement, the insurgents leveled intense automatic weapons and small arms fire, halting the friendly element's advance.   SP4 Fry, in a rear security position, saw the critical situation that the friendly element was in and resolutely rallied nearby comrades and led them in an effort to flank the enemy positions.   The enemy force, confused and caught in a cross fire, began to flee from its positions.   Several of the fleeing enemy tried to escape through SP4 Fry's position, but the heavy volume of fire that he and his fellow soldiers leveled at the insurgents halted their advance and completely routed them.   SP4 Fry's personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

By direction of the President of the United States
under the Provisions of Executive Order 11046.

(signed)

Dale H. Hayes
LTC, AGC
Adjutant General