Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Company C, 1st Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division "The Spearhead", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded for:

Operation Detachment

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as a platoon leader of a Marine battalion on Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands, on 10 March 1945. When his platoon leader was killed, Corporal Frey assumed command and vigorously pushed the attack towards the objective, which was an enemy held ridge to the front, until the platoon was pinned down by heavy machine-gun fire coming from an enemy pillbox on the right flank. Working his way to the pillbox and attacking it with hand grenades, he silenced it, killing five of the enemy before being severely wounded himself. His actions so inspired his men that they pushed on to the objective, routing the enemy from their stronghold. Corporal Frey’s valiant fighting spirit and inspiring fortitude in the face of grave danger were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.