Jason Richard Freiwald
Petty Officer First Class, U.S. Navy

Jason Richard Freiwald was a graduate of Armada Senior High School in Armada, MI. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 25 April 1996 and reported to Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL, on 5 November 1996. After completing basic training, he graduated from the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center, Dam Neck, VA, before reporting to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at Coronado, CA. Upon graduating from BUD/S, Freiwald completed Basic Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA.

Freiwald reported to his first permanent duty station with SEAL Team 5 at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, CA. After 2 years with SEAL Team 5, he was transferred to SEAL Team 3, also at Coronado. While with SEAL Teams 5 and 3, he completed numerous qualifications to prepare him for combat, including sniper training, Arabic, and tactical rock climbing, to name only a few.

After distinguishing himself during multiple combat deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, in March 2005, Freiwald transferred from SEAL Team 3 and began the demanding selection and training program for the Naval Special Warfare Development Group. After completion of the arduous training program, he received orders to Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron 2.

a,pa.On 11 September 2008, Petty Officer First Class Freiwald was serving as an Assistant Assault Team Leader for a Joint Task Force conducting special operations, while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

On that date, PO1 Freiwald led his fire team as part of a ground force element that executed a daring Direct Action mission against a heavily armed and barricaded Taliban commander's cell. PO1 Freiwald's troop successfully navigated through arduous enemy-controlled terrain and an early warning network to assault a highly fortified compound, eliminating the Taliban cell leader and 11 of his fighters during an hour long firefight. Upon making entry into the compound, PO1 Freiwald immediately engaged 2 enemy fighters maneuvering on his fire team, saving the lives of 2 of his teammates. Seconds later, small arms and tracer fire impacted around PO1 Freiwald. Once again exposing himself to the enemy, PO1 Freiwald provided cover fire while directing his fire team to clear the 2nd story and take the high ground of the targeted building to gain the advantage against the enemy. While selflessly shielding his team from the barricaded enemy fighter, PO1 Freiwald sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the abdomen, yet continued to press the fight until his teammates gained access to the 2nd floor. PO1 Freiwald's courage under fire and selfless acts of heroism inspired his teammates, facing overwhelming enemy fire, to continue the fight until the target was secure. PO1 Freiwald's courage and dedication to duty that day earned him, at the cost of his life, the U.S. Navy's third highest award for valor, the Silver Star Medal.

Medals, Awards and Badges

Silver Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device
Purple Heart
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor Device
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Valor Device and Gold Star
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
Combat Action Ribbon with 2 Gold Stars
Navy and Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation
Navy Unit Commendation
Navy Good Conduct Medal with 2 Bronze Stars
National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star
Afghanistan Campaign Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Navy Expert Rifleman Medal
Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal
NATO ISAF Medal
Special Warfare Operator Insignia
Naval Parachutist Badge

Silver Star Medal Citation

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Special Warfare Operator First Class (SEAL) Jason Richard Freiwald, United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy as Assistant Assault Team Leader for a Joint Task Force conducting special operations in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM on 11 September 2008. Petty Officer Freiwald led his fire team as part of a ground force element that executed a daring Direct Action mission against a heavily armed and barricaded Taliban commander's cell. His troop successfully navigated through arduous enemy controlled terrain and an early warning network to assault a highly fortified compound, eliminating the Taliban cell leader and 11 of his fighters during an hour long firefight. Upon making entry into the compound, Petty Officer Freiwald immediately engaged two enemy fighters maneuvering on his fire team, saving two of his teammates' lives. Seconds later, small arms and tracer fire impacted around him. Once again exposing himself to the enemy, he provided cover fire while directing his fire team to clear the second story and take the high ground of the targeted building to gain the advantage against the enemy. While selflessly shielding his team from the barricaded enemy fighter, he sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the abdomen, yet continued to press the fight until his teammates gained access to the second floor. His courage under fire and selfless acts of heroism inspired his teammates, facing overwhelming enemy fire, to continue the fight until the target was secure. By his bold initiative, undaunted courage, and complete dedication to duty, Petty Officer Freiwald reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Burial

Petty Officer First Class Jason Richard Freiwald is buried at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Arlington County, VA, in Section 60, Site 8738.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/29786596/jason-richard-freiwald