Medal of Honor, Frank R. Fratellenico, Vietnam War, August 19, 1970
“In the chaos of battle, when a live grenade slipped from his hand, Corporal Frank R. Fratellenico had only a split second to decide. Instead of saving himself, he threw his body upon the grenade—giving his life."
August 20, 2025
Name: Frank R. Fratellenico
War: Vietnam War
Date: August 19, 1970
Summary of Action
On August 19, 1970, in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, Corporal Frank R. Fratellenico served as a rifleman with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. His squad became pinned down under intense fire from two heavily fortified enemy bunkers. With complete disregard for his own safety, he crawled forward under heavy fire and hurled grenades into the first bunker, killing or wounding its occupants and silencing its guns.
As he pressed his attack on the second bunker, enemy fire struck him, causing him to fall and drop a grenade that he was preparing to throw. Realizing the grenade’s imminent detonation would kill or maim his nearby comrades, Fratellenico acted instantly. He seized the grenade and drew it to his chest, absorbing the full force of the blast. His selfless sacrifice saved the lives of four fellow soldiers and gave his unit the courage to rally and overrun the enemy position.
Medal of Honor Citation
Cpl. Fratellenico distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman with Company B. Cpl. Fratellenico’s squad was pinned down by intensive fire from 2 well-fortified enemy bunkers. At great personal risk Cpl. Fratellenico maneuvered forward and, using hand grenades, neutralized the first bunker which was occupied by a number of enemy soldiers. While attacking the second bunker, enemy fire struck Cpl. Fratellenico, causing him to fall to the ground and drop a grenade which he was preparing to throw. Alert to the imminent danger to his comrades, Cpl. Fratellenico retrieved the grenade and fell upon it an instant before it exploded. His heroic actions prevented death or serious injury to 4 of his comrades nearby and inspired his unit which subsequently overran the enemy position. Cpl. Fratellenico’s conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
