A Legacy Moment – John Freppon
By Dianne Brown, Outreach Archivist
Take Care and Don’t Worry… Love, Jack
His plans were to fulfill his 36 month commitment and upon his return, enroll again in college. He was seeking adventure by enlisting. After graduating from basic training at Ft. Knox in 1967, Jack enrolled in Journalism School in Colorado as part of his assignment to AIT (Advanced Individual Training). His developing writing skills were used to write and edit an Army newspaper. These skills came in handy as he wrote 41 letters home during his two deployments to keep his family well informed of his actions, those of his service as an Infantry Operations and Intelligence Specialist, and his growing feelings about the war effort.
In “A Soldier’s Letters from Vietnam”, Jack’s brother, Jeff Freppon, shared the content of these letters. Each letter described – when possible – the places he and his fellow soldiers found themselves fighting against the Viet Cong forces from North Vietnam. He often went into great detail about these battles and what he was experiencing in a tough physical and emotional environment. He endured some very difficult times learning jungle warfare.
Jack was a good leader and could be counted on to carry out missions. He also displayed a fierce battle mentality and always put the welfare of others before his own. In his letters he often asks about his family members. He shares in great detail his thinking about the money he was earning and how he wanted to invest it, not only for his future, but for any current financial needs of his family. Jack also kept track of the time spent in the field and counted down the days to his next R&R, his next assignment level, and especially looked forward to returning home on leave. Every letter was signed “Take care and don’t worry. Love, Jack”.
As time went on, Jack became fierce in battle. As a result of his efforts, he was promoted several times and often recognized for his part in various battles/conflicts. He was awarded several medals early in his service, and sent some of them home to his parents. However, during this time his discontentment grew as the war progressed. His letters often included his feelings about the direction the war was taking, his growing dislike for the enemy and his struggles surviving the jungle environment.
The firefight on February 2, 1969 was Jack’s last. The citation for the Distinguished Service Cross best describes how Jack was killed.
“Staff Sergeant Freppon distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 February, 1969 as a squad leader for a platoon which was conducting a reconnaissance-in-force mission near Lai Khe. Sergeant Freppon was serving a point man when he was suddenly pinned to the ground by fragmentation and rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons fire from well-concealed North Vietnamese Army troops. Fearing that his men would be trapped by the devastating hostile fire, he stood up to warn them of the entrenched army. Then, with complete disregard for his safety, he charged through the fusillade toward a North Vietnamese bunker. Although he was wounded repeatedly, he continued his assault on the fortification. He succeeded in destroying the bunker and was stopped only when he was mortally wounded by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade. His courage and self-sacrifice prevented many of his comrades from being killed or wounded. Staff Sergeant Freppon’s extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.”
Jack Freppon was returned to his family and was buried at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Many letters of condolence were sent to his parents, including those from soldiers with whom he served. Though devastated by their loss, Jack’s family found solace in knowing how much Jack meant to others.
Jack was awarded numerous citations and medals and became the city of Cincinnati’s most posthumously decorated Vietnam War veteran. His medals include two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and others recognizing his heroism, exemplary behavior and selfless concern for the welfare of his comrades. According to his brother, Jeff, “He felt patriotic believing that he needed to serve in Vietnam, and fight to try and prevent the communism spread.”
We thank Jack, as well as all veterans from all wars and conflicts for their service today and every day.
Sharing Your Loved One’s Story
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Contact our archivist Dianne Brown at dbrown@gateofheaven.org
