LTC FREDERICK FREN VAN DEUSEN

FREDERICK FREN VAN DEUSEN

Distinguished Service Cross Citation
Distinguished Service Cross Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Frederick French Van Deusen (ASN: 0-68756), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 47th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Lieutenant Colonel Van Deusen distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 3 July 1968 as commanding officer of an infantry battalion on combat operations near Ben Luc. Early in the morning, he inserted two rifle companies into landing zones on the west bank of the Song Vam Co Dong River. With the support of an armed helicopter company and an air cavalry troop, he maneuvered them in an attempt to encircle a Viet Cong battalion command post. Throughout the morning, he directed his command helicopter to maintain a tree-top level position to best control the ground elements. On several occasions he joined his companies to personally coordinate their efforts. In each case, he disregarded his personal safety to cross open areas under intense hostile fire and join the forward elements. During the afternoon, one company lost contact with one of its platoons. Colonel Van Deusen immediately directed his helicopter to land, crossed an open field under a hail of enemy automatic weapons fire, and joined the company commander in an exposed position. To assist the officer in finding the isolated platoon, Colonel Van Deusen returned to his aircraft and directed the pilot to circle the battlefield at treetop-level despite the constant enemy fusillade directed at the ship. He spotted enemy activity on the company's flank and directed his pilot to fly closer for a better view. At that moment enemy automatic weapons fire raked the aircraft, causing it to crash into the river. Lieutenant Colonel Van Deussen'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. General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 3240 (July 9, 1968) Action Date: 3-Jul-68 Service: Army Rank: Lieutenant Colonel Company: Headquarters and Headquarters Company Battalion: 2d Battalion Regiment: 47th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Division: 9th Infantry Division
Jul 3, 2014

Silver Star Citation
Silver Star Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Frederick French Van Deusen (ASN: 0-68756), United States Army, for gallantry in action involving close combat against an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. Lieutenant Colonel Van Deusen distinguished himself during the period 24 June 1968 to 25 June 1968, while commanding the 2d Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, during a reconnaissance in force operation northeast of Tan An city, Long An Province, Republic of Vietnam. Through much of the two day operation Lieutenant Colonel Van Deusen remained airborne in a light observation helicopter, closely controlling and coordinating the movement of ground elements and the air and artillery support. While airborne, Lieutenant Colonel Van Deusen remained continuously exposed to the heavy enemy ground fire directed against his helicopter by a desperate, encircled enemy. When he felt that the intensity of the enemy resistance and its effect on his leading elements called for his presence on the ground, he immediately directed his aircraft to land and with complete disregard for his own safety, he braved the enemy automatic weapons fire in an exposed location with the leading elements of his rifle companies. He remained at his location, closely assessing the situation, personally coordinating with his company commanders and maintaining continuous control of the battle until he felt he again needed to view the battle from above. When darkness fell, Lieutenant Colonel Van Deusen's established an advanced command post with the elements in contact so that he might better direct the battle. Throughout the night he remained under heavy enemy fire, personally directing the efforts of his battalion until the encircled enemy force was destroyed and the enemy base camp eliminated. Lieutenant Colonel Van Deusen's extraordinary heroism in close combat against a Viet Cong force was in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army. General Orders: Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 5470 (July 7, 1968) Action Date: June 24 - 25, 1968 Service: Army Rank: Lieutenant Colonel Company: Headquarters and Headquarters Company Battalion: 2d Battalion Regiment: 47th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Division: 9th Infantry Division
Jul 3, 2014

Tom McKenna
tpmckenna@stoweaccess.com
West Point Class of 1953 classmate
125 Thomas Lane #205 Stowe VT 05672 USA
Frederick F. Van Deusen
Fred Van Deusen came from an army family. His father graduated from West Point in 1909, a classmate of General George S. Patton. His older brother graduated from West Point and his older sister married an army officer. Fred was General Westmoreland's brother-in-law.
Apr 22, 2011

Garnet Jenkins
Grand Junction Co.
~Tribute to a Fallen Hero~

In Remembrance of Ltc. Frederick Fren VanDeusen, with a Multitude of Thanks for his Courage and Many Years of Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom. Rest well and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I am the sister of such a young hero, who made the Supreme Sacrifice in Vietnam 1967...
...Rest Your Head Now, Weary Soldier. Cast Your Weapons To The Ground. Close Your Eyes And Feel The Peace, The Light Of Jesus Fold Around. Heed Not Our Earthly Battle Cries, There Is No Post For You To Stand, So Rest Now As He Carries You Within His Loving Hand. Do Not Look Back Upon Us, Disregard Our Selfish Tears, Walk In The Sunlight Of The Spirit, Free Of War Or Pain And Fear. Your Duty Here Is Done Now, As Ours Will Someday Be, So Go Him Now To Places Only Heroes See. ~Author Unknown~

Jun 22, 2007

Mary Hopper
mhopper664@earthlink.net
Frederick was the brother-in-law of Gen. Wm. C. Westmoreland. His memory is sweet in our hearts.
Monday, July 26, 2004

Clyde Adams
csajr@simflex.com
Frederick, today is your birthday and I want to let you know you are not forgotten. I hope the years have brought peace to your family and loved ones. May God continue to bless you.
Saturday, June 22, 2002