This Military Service Page was created/owned by
CWO2 Philip E. Montroy
to remember
Marine LtGen Edward Fris.
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Contact Info
Home Town Palisade
Last Address Falls Church, VA
Date of Passing May 17, 2010
Location of Interment Quantico National Cemetery (VA) - Quantico, Virginia
LtGen Fris retired from the Marine Corps on September 1, 1975..
The General passed away at the Hospice of Falls Church (VA) on May 17, 2010 and was buried with full-military honors at the Quantico National Cemetery.
Other Comments:
Each year the MarineCorps Aviation Associatio presents the Edward S. Fris Award to the Outstanding Marine Air Command and Control Unit.
1968-1969, 7202, Marine Air Control Group 18 (MACG-18)
Best Moment I was transferred from H&HS-1 under the Wing Communications Officer Colonel Worley, to MACG-18; assigned as the Group Radio Chief (August 1968). I was assigned as the personal Radio Chief/Bodyguard to Colonel E. S. Fris. Because of the small attempts of the enemy forces in the LAAMN area on Hill 327, the Colonel directed me to take over as the new radio chief and reactionary platoon sergeant. The current radio chief was being relieved for incompetence. However, he remained under my authority although he was senior to me in time in-service and time in-grade as an E-6 Staff Sergeant. I was ordered by Colonel Fris to personally select 40 Marines and train them as a reactionary force, in case of an attack by enemy forces. March 6, 1969 at 0230 1stLAAMBN was overrun by an enemy force. In the confusion, I could only muster 16 of the 40 I had selected and trained. We fought our way up to the military crest of the hill, while calling for night illuminatin on the top of the hill. The enemy force had taken the missile sight and had planted their NVA Flag. Once we gained fir superiority, we took back the sight and PFC Michael DePaula pulled down the NVA flag and ran our colors back up. I then moved my 16 Marines to the top of Hill 327 and set them up in a 360 covering every lane of fire to our compound, and remained until relieved at daybreak by reinforced infantry platoon. None of My Marines were wounded or KIA. The count of Grenades around our area (dudes) were 61. Gene F. Coooper, GySgt. USMC/Retired
Chain of Command Served as Commanding Officer
Other Memories The General, at the time was a Colonel as mentioned, On some days he would have me choose a volley ball team to challenge the team he had put together. The colonel. being the commanding officer, would win each game, even if it seemed that my team would win some of our encounters. He was an outstanding Marine and Officer, it was a great honor to be under his command.
