Elmer E. Fryar

At age nineteen Fryar joined the Army from his birth city of Denver, Colorado, and served three years.

He re-enlisted in the Army, and by December 8, 1944, was serving as a private in Company E, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division.

Private Fryar's official Medal of Honor citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.

Fryar instantly sprang forward, received the full burst of automatic fire in his own body and fell mortally wounded.

Fryar's indomitable fighting spirit and extraordinary gallantry above and beyond the call of duty contributed outstandingly to the success of the battalion's withdrawal and its subsequent attack and defeat of the enemy.