Medal of Honor: Elmer E. Fryar – World War II – Leyte, Philippines – December 1944

Name: Elmer E. Fryar
Rank: Private
Organization: U.S. Army
Unit: Company E, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division
Place: Leyte, Philippine Islands
Entered Service At: Denver, Colorado
Born: Denver, Colorado

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Summary of Action

On 8 December 1944, during fierce fighting on Leyte, Private Elmer E. Fryar’s battalion encountered a strongly entrenched enemy force supported by mortars and automatic weapons. Repeated attacks failed to dislodge the defenders, and Company E was ordered to cover the battalion’s withdrawal to a more favorable position. As the enemy launched a powerful counterattack threatening to cut off the company, Private Fryar moved to higher ground and delivered heavy, accurate fire against an enemy platoon attempting to outflank the unit.

Although wounded during the engagement, he refused to withdraw and continued firing until the enemy attack was driven back with heavy losses. While rejoining his squad, he discovered a seriously wounded comrade and assisted him to safety. Moments later, as Private Fryar, his platoon leader, and two wounded soldiers moved together toward friendly lines, an enemy sniper suddenly appeared and aimed at the platoon leader.

Without hesitation, Private Fryar sprang forward and absorbed the full burst of automatic fire meant for his officer. Mortally wounded, he used his remaining strength to throw a hand grenade, killing the sniper and saving the lives of his comrades. His selfless sacrifice ensured the successful withdrawal and eventual counterattack of his battalion.

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Medal of Honor Citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Pvt. Fryar’s battalion encountered the enemy strongly entrenched in a position supported by mortars and automatic weapons. The battalion attacked, but in spite of repeated efforts was unable to take the position. Pvt. Fryar’s company was ordered to cover the battalion’s withdrawal to a more suitable point from which to attack, but the enemy launched a strong counterattack which threatened to cut off the company. Seeing an enemy platoon moving to outflank his company, he moved to higher ground and opened heavy and accurate fire. He was hit, and wounded, but continuing his attack he drove the enemy back with a loss of 27 killed. While withdrawing to overtake his squad, he found a seriously wounded comrade, helped him to the rear, and soon overtook his platoon leader, who was assisting another wounded. While these 4 were moving to rejoin their platoon, an enemy sniper appeared and aimed his weapon at the platoon leader. Pvt. Fryar instantly sprang forward, received the full burst of automatic fire in his own body and fell mortally wounded. With his remaining strength he threw a hand grenade and killed the sniper. Pvt. Fryar’s indomitable fighting spirit and extraordinary gallantry above and beyond the call of duty contributed outstandingly to the success of the battalion’s withdrawal and its subsequent attack and defeat of the enemy. His heroic action in unhesitatingly giving his own life for his comrade in arms exemplifies the highest tradition of the U.S. Armed Forces.