Senator Hoeven Honors WWII Veteran at Bronze Star Ceremony
MOTT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven and his wife Mikey today joined members of the North Dakota National Guard and the Friedt family at a ceremony to posthumously present the Bronze Star Medal and other military honors to Pvt. Tony A. Friedt, a native of Mott, N.D. who served with the U.S. Army during World War II. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Freidt family reunion.
“It is fitting that we should recognize the outstanding service of Pvt. Friedt today as his family gathers for a reunion,” said Hoeven. “Reunions offer an opportunity to reflect on fond memories and important milestones in a family’s history. We honor Pvt. Friedt today for the important legacy he has left not only his family, but also our country. He is an American hero who served our country with great dedication and pride, and today we are honored to recognize his service through the formal awarding of the honors he earned while serving during World War II.”
Pvt. Friedt was drafted to the United States Army in 1943 and served until Jan. 15, 1946 as a Paratrooper with Company B – 511th Parachute Infantry – 1st Platoon – 11th Airborne Division “Angels.” While deployed in the Pacific Theatre, he participated in three jumps, including the Feb. 23, 1945 jump that helped liberate 2,147 prisoners from Los Baños Internment Camp.
Pvt. Friedt’s earned several awards during his military service. His brother Bill J. Friedt has since worked with the U.S. Army to obtain all of the awards his late brother is entitled for his serving during World War II. In addition to today’s presenting of the Bronze Star Medal, the following honors were awarded during the ceremony: Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge with one Bronze Service Star, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three Bronze Service Stars and Bronze Arrowhead and Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars.
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