Bio: Baehr, Fred E. (Bronze Star Medal -1969)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Baehr

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 18 Dec 1969

Army Specialist Five Fred E. Baehr, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Baehr, route 1, Withee (Clark Co.), Wisconsin, received his third award of the Bronze Star Medal in Vietnam.

Spec. 5 Baehr received the award for heroism in action while engaged in military operations against a hostile force in Vietnam.

A medical aidman in Company D, 2nd Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division's 2n Infantry, Spec. 5 Baehr entered the Army in December 1967, and was stationed at Ft. Knox, Ky. Before arriving in Vietnam last December.

The 21-year-old specialist graduated from Thorp High School in 1965.

The award was present November 1, 1969.

Spec. 5 Baehr's actual text of citation is as follows:

"For heroism not involving participation in actual flight, in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: On this date Specialist Baehr was serving as a medical aidman with his mechanized unit on a reconnaissance in force mission to destroy the abandoned armored personnel carrier along the northeaster edge of the Black Virgin Mountain. As the friendly force proceeded through the treacherous region, it was suddenly subjected to an intense automatic weapons, small arms, and rocket propelled grenade fusillade from an undetermined size insurgency unit. Observing three friendly casualties lying in an exposed location, Specialist Baehr unhesitantly maneuvered through the hostile barrage to the aid of his fallen comrades. After applying emergency first aid to the injured men, he insisted in carrying the casualties to the medical evacuation zone. His courageous initiative and selfless concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers were instrumental in saving several friendly lives. Specialist Five Baehr's outstanding display of aggressiveness, devotion to duty and personal bravery is in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army. By direction of the President, under the provisions of Executive Order 11046, 24 August 1969."