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First Name: Frank

Last Name: Fratellenico

Birthplace: Sharon, CT, USA

Gender: Male

Branch: Army (1784 - present)



Home of Record: Albany, NY
Middle Name: Rocco



Date of Birth: 14 July 1951

Date of Death: 19 August 1970

Rank: Corporal

Years Served: 1969 - 1970
Frank Rocco Fratellenico
'Rocky'

   
Engagements:
•  Vietnam War (1960 - 1973)

Biography:

Frank Rocco Fratellenico
Corporal, U.S. Army
Medal of Honor Recipient
Vietnam War

Corporal Frank Rocco Fratellenico (14 July 1951 - 19 August 1970) was a U.S. Army soldier who was posthumously awarded the U.S. military's highest award for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions in the Vietnam War.

Frank Rocco Fratellenico was born on 14 July 1951, in Sharon, CT. He joined the U.S. Army in Albany, NY. On 19 August 1970, he was serving as a Corporal in Company B, 2d Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. During a firefight that day in Quang Tri Province, Republic of Vietnam, Fratellenico was about to throw a hand grenade when he was wounded, causing him to drop the activated device. He then smothered the grenade with his body, sacrificing his life to protect his fellow soldiers from the blast. For his self-sacrifice he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

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.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Frank R. Fratellenico's name is inscribed on Panel 08W - Line 124.

Death and Memorial

Corporal Frank Rocco Fratellenico was killed in action on 19 August 1970. His body was cremated and the ashes given to his family. A Memorial to him is located in the town park at Spencertown, NY at GPS (Latitude/Longitude) N42.32262 - W73.54543.



Origin of Nickname/Handle:
Modification of his middle name.

Honoree ID: 953   Created by: MHOH

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