John W. Frederick Jr.

John William Frederick Jr. (December 13, 1923 - July 19, 1972) was a highly decorated United States Marine Corps chief warrant officer 4. Frederick was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross during the Vietnam War, where he spent over six and a half years as a prisoner of war before he died in captivity.
Early life and service
John W. Frederick Jr. was born on December 13, 1923, in Manito, Illinois. On May 7, 1942, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and subsequently attended Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. During 40 combat missions in World War II, Frederick served as a tail gunner and radar operator on Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bombers.
After the war, Frederick flew reconnaissance missions in China during Operation Beleaguer. Frederick often flew over Communist Chinese camps, although the rules of engagement did not allow him to fire at the Communists unless fired upon.
During the first year of the Korean War, Technical Sergeant Frederick flew 90 combat missions as the co-pilot in Grumman F7F Tigercats with . He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for his service before rotating home in July 1951.
After the war, Master Sergeant Frederick was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, and Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan. He was assigned to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, in August 1961, where he worked on the F4H-1 Phantom II project. On October 25, 1961, Frederick was promoted to warrant officer. In December 1964, he was assigned to at Cherry Point. In May of the following year, Frederick transferred to .
The next morning, Frederick accidentally walked into an enemy gun emplacement and single-handedly attacked the position. He managed to kill a few North Vietnamese soldiers before he was overpowered and captured. Frederick was subsequently beaten and taken to a prisoner of war camp in Hanoi.
Posthumous honors
Frederick was posthumously promoted to chief warrant officer 4. He was recommended for the Medal of Honor, however this award was downgraded to the Navy Cross. Frederick was also awarded the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit, and the Bronze Star for his actions while a prisoner of war; making him one of the most decorated warrant officers in Marine Corps history.<ref name":1" /><ref name":3" /><ref name=":4" />
In 1999, a study lounge at The Basic School in Marine Corps Base Quantico was dedicated in Frederick's name.<ref name=":2" />

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