Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine ‘Italian Campaign’ Silver Star group of ten awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel Wayne Dare Fraizer, 133rd Infantry - a recipient of the Carnegie Hero Fund Medal

Silver Star, with oak leaf cluster, edge numbered, ‘89347’, slot brooch; Bronze Star, slot brooch; Purple Heart, with oak leaf cluster, enamelled, edge numbered, ‘225727’, slot brooch; American Defense Medal; European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; Victory Medal 1945; Army of Occupation Medal, 1 clasp, Germany; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal; together with an U.S.A., Carnegie Hero Fund Medal, reverse inscribed in raised letters, ‘Willwayne Dare Fraizer who saved Richard L. Sanden from Drowning Levant N.Y. December 28, 1933’, this in fitted Caldwell & Co., Philadelphia green leather case of issue, generally extremely fine (lot) £1200-1600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Named and Attributable American Medal Groups.

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Willwayne (Wayne) Dare Fraizer came from Jamestown, Chautauqua, New York State. As a Falconer High School Freshman, he won the Carnegie Hero Fund Medal in December 1933 for rescuing Richard Sanden from the waters of Conewango Creek at Levant after Sanden fell through thin ice while skating. As part of the award he also received funding for a four-year university course but was unable to take advantage of that as he was called up for active duty with the 174th Infantry, shortly after his graduation in 1940. He graduated from the Officer’s Training School at Fort Benning in August 1942 and was promoted to First Lieutenant while he was serving in North Africa in early 1943.

As a First Lieutenant serving with the 133rd Infantry, Fraizer was awarded Silver Star and Purple Heart for his bravery in action at San Leonardo, Italy during October 1943:

‘While his company was engaged in a bitter attack on enemy positions, Lt. Fraizer was ordered to return to the command post and bring forward a fresh supply of ammunition. Lt. Fraizer’s mission necessitated his crossing twice two hundred yards of open terrain which was being swept by heavy enemy machine gun fire, but he performed it unhesitatingly, oblivious of his own personal safety. When observing three badly wounded men in need of immediate medical attention, he further exposed himself to intense hostile fire to assist in evacuating them to a place of safety. Lt. Fraizer’s exemplary leadership in the face of grave danger was an inspiration to his comrades and a credit to the Armed Forces of the United States.’ In the course of this action, Fraizer was wounded and hospitalised.

As a Captain he was awarded oak leaf clusters to his Silver Star and Purple Heart for gallantry in action at Cassino, Italy during February 1944:

‘For gallantry in action, from 1 to 9 February 1944, at Cassino, Italy. Captain Fraizer’s company was assigned the sector along a road leading through enemy held barracks during an attack on Cassino. During the assault on the barracks, his company was fired upon by self-propelled and anti-tank weapons, as well as small arms and mortar fire. Captain Fraizer moved to the front of his company and led his men as they forced their way through strong enemy defenses into the barracks. During the next phase of the attack Captain Fraizer co-ordinated his supporting tanks with the infantry advance in reducing enemy bunkers and pillboxes to take the objective. The last phase of the attack was an advance of four hundred yards across open terrain into the town of Cassino. Before reaching the objective, Captain Fraizer was hit in the leg by a rock from a shell explosion. Refusing to leave the fight, he followed his company into the town where the final objective was taken. Disregarding his wound, Captain Fraizer moved from platoon to platoon and organized his men for the defense. For six days he remained with his company and led his men in repelling numerous strong counterattacks, until he received a severe wound which necessitated his evacuation. Captain Fraizer’s courageous and inspiring leadership was responsible for the success of his company’s attack.’

Fraizer noted: ‘Was hit by a German sniper in Cassino, Italy on Feb. 8-1944 about three o’clock in the afternoon - Bullet broke my leg and necessitated in losing considerable muscle off the calf of my leg’. Recovering somewhat, he was then posted to Anzio as a Training Officer, before returning ‘stateside’ later in the year. Promoted to Major in November 1950 and Lieutenant-Colonel in August 1959. He retired from the Army Reserve in June 1961.

With unofficial 5th Army Entry into Naples Medal; American Legion Medal and lapel badge; Combat Infantryman Badge; two cloth badges; two metal badges.

With a booklet, ‘My Part in the World War’ - containing the recipient’s hand written notes, newspaper cuttings, citations and photographs - this providing much valuable service and biographical details. Also with original commission document appointing him Reserve Commissioned Officer grade of Lieutenant-Colonel, 1959; certificate of appreciation on his retirement, 1961; service records and other papers.

This lot is sold as seen and is not subject to return. Please see saleroom notice on lot 280 for fuller details.