Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Corporal

Unit:

Headquarters Company, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army (Headquarters Company, 31st Tank Battalion, 7th Armored Division "Lucky Seventh", U.S. Army)

Corporal Haskell Fraley (Army Serial Number 35275229), Infantry, Headquarters Company, 31st Tank battalion, United States Army, for distinguishing himself by heroic service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States on 27 August 1944, in the area of Provins, France. When approaching the city the advance elements of a task force met fierce resistance from well-emplaced 88mm anti-tank guns, bazookas and mortars. Four tanks were sent forward to locate and reduce the gun positions holding up the advance. Cpl Fraley was gunner in one of the tanks assigned this hazardous mission. As the tank pitched boldly into the enemy, he manned his gun, bringing effective fire on the enemy emplacements. His tank destroyed one 88mm gun and killed and wounded many infantry men armed with bazookas before it received three direct hits and was put out of action. Cpl. Fraley is now hospitalized as a result of the encounter. The valor he displayed in the attack on a superior enemy force reflects the fighting spirit which was made the American Soldier a much-to-be-feared adversary.

Headquarters, 7th Armored Division, General Orders No. 48 (14 September 1944).