Jerry R Fry

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Infantry) Jerry R. Fry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company B, 101st Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). Captain Fry distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 4 April 1968 while serving as commander of a fire team helicopter assault north of Ap Nam Phu in Thua Thien Province. While moving toward the village, a friendly element came under heavy fire from enemy automatic weapons, mortars, and rocket-propelled grenades and incurred several casualties, including the platoon leader. Medical evacuation was difficult because of darkness, fog and the intense fusillade. Captain Fry relieved the pressure on the besieged ground elements by directing gun ship fire onto enemy positions which he pinpointed by the use of a searchlight. While suppressive fire was being delivered, the company pulled the wound-ed to safety. An ambulance helicopter arrived, but the pilot missed the landing zone in the darkness and set down near the enemy who forced the craft away. At this time, Captain Fry volunteered to attempt the mission, and although heavy fire from the village imperiled his attempt, he succeeded in making two extractions. Captain Fry’s extraordinary heroism 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.