FRATELLENICO, FRANK R.

Rank and organization: Corporal, U.S. Army, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 502d Infantry, 1st Brigade, 1O1st Airborne Division

Place: Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam

Date: 19 August 1970

Entered service at: Albany, New York

Born: 14 July 1951, Sharon, Connecticut

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.

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--- General / Personal ---

Last name: FRATELLENICO
First name: FRANK ROCCO
Home of Record (official): CHATHAM
State (official): NY
Date of Birth: Saturday, July 14, 1951
Sex: Male
Race: Caucasian
Marital Status: Single

--- Military ---

Branch: Army
Rank: CPL
Serial Number: 069440577
Component: Regular
Posthumous promotion as indicated
Pay grade: E3
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty code): 11B10

--- Action ---

Start of Tour: Tuesday, May 5, 1970
Date of Casualty: Wednesday, August 19, 1970
Age at time of loss: 19
Casualty type: (A1) Hostile, died
Reason: Gun, small arms fire (Ground casualty)
Country: South VietNam
Province: Quang Tri
The Wall: Panel 08W - Row 124

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