b. 22/08/1878 Hightstown, New Jersey. d. 06/06/1963 Coral Gables, Florida.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 21-22/04/1914 Veracruz, Mexico.
Eli T Fryer MOH
Fryer was born in Hightstown, New Jersey on August 22, 1878. He entered West Point in 1897 as a member of the class of 1901, but was honorably discharged on June 19, 1899. He was appointed Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps on March 21, 1900.
After initial training at the Marine barracks, in New York City, he served in Newport, Rhode Island (August 1901–June 1903). During that time he serve a brief period of duty with the Marine battalion in Panama (September 13–December 8, 1902). In 1903 to 1905, he served with the Marine expeditionary battalion aboard the USS Panther and at Camp Roosevelt, Culebra, Puerto Rico, and commanded Marines at Dry Tortugas, Florida.
Following a one-year tour of duty back at the Marine barracks in New York, served two year in the Philippines (1906–1908). For next five years, he served as Post Quartermaster for Marine Barracks, School of Application, Annapolis, Maryland, and commanding Marine Detachments aboard the USS Louisiana (BB-19), USS New Hampshire (BB-25) and USS Alabama (BB-8). Fryer was assigned to Pensacola, Florida where he deployed to Vera Cruz.
Fryer was retired from the Marine Corps in July 1934, and promoted to Brigadier General on the retired list in February 1942.
MOH CITATION:
For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21 and 22 April 1914. In both days’ fighting at the head of his company, Captain Fryer was eminent and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and courage.
BURIAL LOCATION: ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA.
SECTION 34, LOT 102-A
LOCATION OF MEDAL: NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE US MARINE CORPS, QUANTICO, VIRGINIA.
