Born in Denver, Colorado Elmer Fryar joined the US Army in the 11 th Airborne Division As a parachute infantryman. Fighting in the Philippines in May of 1945 Pvt. Fryar was Recognized for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life above and beyond the call of duty.
Pvt. Fryar’s battalion encountered the enemy strongly entrenched in a position supported by mortars and automatic weapons. The battalion attacked, but in spite of repeated efforts was unable to take the position. Pvt. Fryar’s company was ordered to cover the battalion’s withdrawal to a more suitable point from which to attack, but the enemy launched a strong counterattack, which threatened to cut off the company.
Seeing an enemy platoon moving to outflank his company, he moved to higher ground and opened heavy and accurate fire. He was hit and wounded but continuing his attack he drove the enemy back killing 27.
While withdrawing to overtake his squad, he found a seriously wounded comrade, and overtook his platoon leader who also assisting a wounded soldier. While the four were moving to rejoin their platoon, an enemy sniper appeared and aimed his weapon at the platoon leader.
Instantly. Pvt. Fryar sprang forward sacrificing his own body, and received the full burst of automatic fire in his own body and fell mortally wounded. With his last remaining strength he threw a hand grenade and killed the sniper.
Pvt. Fryar’s indomitable spirit and extraordinary gallantry above and beyond the call of duty contributed outstandingly to the success of the batallion’s withdrawal and its subsequent attack and defeat of the enemy. His heroic action in unhesitatingly giving his own life for his comrade in arms exemplifies the highest tradition of the U.S. Armed Forces.