Serving as a Marine in the U.S. Marine Corps, Captain Eli Thompson Fryer received the Medal of Honor for his actions on April 21, 1914 in Vera Cruz, Mexico during the 1914 Veracruz expedition. At the time he was serving with 17th Company, 2d Advanced Base Regiment. Fryer was 35 years old.
40 other service members also received the Medal of Honor for actions on the same day. The medal was presented on March 4, 1916. He later rose to the rank of Brigadier General.
Fryer was born on August 22, 1878 in Hightstown, Mercer County, New Jersey. Fryer died on June 6, 1963 in Coral Gables, Florida, at the age of 84. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. His medal is held by National Museum of the US Marine Corps, Quantico, VA.
Fryer is one of 56 Medal of Honor recipients from the 1914 Veracruz expedition.
Official Medal of Honor citation
For distinguished conduct in battle, engagements of Vera Cruz, 21-22 April 1914. In both days' fighting at the head of his company, Capt. Fryer was eminent and conspicuous in his conduct, leading his men with skill and courage.
Citation text: U.S. Government, public domain.
Battles and campaigns
Also served in: Philippine–American War.
Places
Timeline
- August 22, 1878Born in Hightstown, Mercer County, New Jersey
- April 21, 1914Act of valor — Vera Cruz, MexicoAge 35. 17th Company, 2d Advanced Base Regiment
- March 4, 1916Medal of Honor presented
- June 6, 1963Died in Coral Gables, FloridaAge 84.
- Resting placeArlington National CemeteryArlington, Virginia
Biography
Eli Thompson Fryer (August 22, 1878 – June 6, 1963) was a United States Marine Corps brigadier general who was a recipient of the Medal of Honor for valor in action on July 21–22 April 1914 at Vera Cruz, Mexico. A former member of West Point's class of 1901, he joined the United States Marine Corps in 1900.
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