Laurence V. Friese

By zthanson, 27 December, 2022
First Name
Laurence
Middle Name
V.
Last Name
Friese
Birthdate
Hometown
Huron, South Dakota
Rank
Commander
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Black and white photo of a man in a suit.
PreCapture Description

Larry Friese joined the U.S. Marine Corps and attended The Basic School at MCS Quantico, Virginia, from June 26 to December 16, 1965. Lieutenant Friese then completed Naval Flight Officer Training and Bombardier/Navigator training before serving as an A-6 Intruder bombardier with Marine Attack Squadron 225, VMA(AW)-225, of Marine Air Group 14 at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, from November 1966 to June 1967. He then joined VMA(AW)-533 of Marine Air Group 12 in Southeast Asia, where he flew 138 combat missions between July 1967 and February 24, 1968, when he was forced to eject over North Vietnam. Captain Friese was captured and taken as a Prisoner of War 4 days later.

Post Release Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Navy suit and cap.
Post Release Description

Friese was released during Operation Homecoming on March 14, 1973. Friese transferred his commission to the U.S. Navy on June 5, 1974, and attended the Naval Postgraduate School until December 1976, where he received his Masters Degree in Meteorology and Oceanography. Commander Friese then served at a Fleet Weather Center on Guam before serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV-41) until 1980. His final assignment was with the Fleet Numerical Oceanography Center at Monterey, California, where he served as a Department Head until his retirement from the Navy on June 30, 1985.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Silver Star
  • Distinguished Flying Cross
  • Bronze Star
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release