THE WALL OF FACES

Private First Class Joseph Augustus Friel, Served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

We can never truly repay the great debt we owe our fallen heroes. May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace PFC. Friel, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family. Semper Fidelis!

Dear PFC Joseph Friel,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Joseph A. Friel (MCSN: 2209039), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with the Third Platoon, Company C, First Battalion, Twenty-Sixth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, during an operation against North Vietnamese forces in the vicinity of Gio Linh District, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, on the morning of 21 September 1966. While moving forward o the left flank of the company, Private First Class Friel's platoon was taken under heavy automatic weapons fire from several well-concealed, fortified positions. Unselfishly disregarding his own safety, he rushed forward to cover several men who had been seriously wounded in the initial exchange of fire. He then courageously exposed himself to the withering enemy fire to go to the assistance of three wounded Marines, and making three separate trips, carried them to the rear. As he moved forward to aid a fourth fallen comrade lying where the company's lead elements were heavily engaged, Private First Class Friel was killed by a burst of automatic weapons fire before he could reach the injured man. By his outstanding valor in the face of hostile fire, perseverance and unswerving devotion to duty Private First Class Friel upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: 21-Sep-66

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Private First Class

Company: Company C

Battalion: 1st Battalion

Regiment: 26th Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF