John Fritchey

John served in the U.S. Air Force from 1960 - 1968. He attended basic training at Lackland AFB, TX. John then attended electronics training at Keesler AFB, MS and then deployed to Morocco for a 24 month tour. Upon returning to the States, John was assigned to the 2nd Air Force Headquarters at Barksdale AFB, LA as a communications technician. After some further training at Keesler, John was assigned to Scott AFB, IL. The following year he was transfered to Patrick AFB, FL and deployed to a monitoring station for the Cape Canaveral missle tracking range on Grand Turk Island.

After completing that assigment, John returned to Scott AFB. In March, 1967, he received orders to go to Viet Nam. In Nam, John was a member of the 21st TASS which provided Forward Air Controllers to the Army and Marines. He was assigned as the NCOIC of a 6 man detachment at Pleiku AFB and his FACs were imbedded with the 4th Infantry Division and 101st Airborne Division.

Among the other 'standard' medals, John was awarded a Bronze Star with 'V' device (valor) and an Oak Leaf Cluster (Second Bronze Star).

John was honorably discharged at Ft. Lewis, WA in March, 1968.

Wording on the above citation:

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL (WITH "V" DEVICE) TO JOHN A. FRITCHEY

Staff Sergeant John A. Fritchey distinguished himself by heroism while engaged in ground operations against an opposing armed force at Jackson Hole, Republic of Vietnam on 23 August 1967. On that date, the base camp of the 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division was subjected to an intense barrage from hostile rockets and mortars. Despite the dangers from explod- ing shells and with complete disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Fritchey repeatedly crossed open terrain to reach his duty station and place his radios in operation. After finally getting his equipment operational, he requested air support for the beleaguered outpost which subsequently repulsed the attack and forced the hostile troops to withdraw. By his heroic actions and unselfish dedication to duty, Sergeant Fritchey has reflected great crredit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

John is a Life Member of Carpentersville, IL VFW Post 5915.

NOTE:  John Alden Fritchey III, of Spring, Texas, died May 15th, 2013, of complications resulting from a March 5th stroke.  To see his obituray, click this link.  http://www.erhsalumni.net/class_profile.cfm?member_id=3774720