Career
Henry joined the Army from Clinton, Oklahoma in September 1940, a week before his 21st birthday. By September 1, 1950, was serving as a first lieutenant in Company F of the 38th Infantry Regiment. On that day, near Andong, of Korea, his platoon was attacked by a numerically superior enemy force.
Although seriously wounded, Henry ordered his men to withdraw while he stayed behind to cover their retreat.
He single-handedly held the attackers at bay until being killed. 1st Lieutenant Henry, Company F, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action.
His platoon was holding a strategic ridge near the town when they were attacked by a superior enemy force, supported by heavy mortar and artillery fire. Seeing his platoon disorganized by this fanatical assault, he left his foxhole and moving along the line ordered his men to stay in place and keep firing.
Encouraged by this heroic action the platoon reformed a defensive line and rained devastating fire on the enemy, checking its advance.
Enemy fire had knocked out all communications and 1st Lieutenant Henry was unable to determine whether or not the main line of resistance was alerted to this heavy attack. On his own initiative, although severely wounded, he decided to hold his position as long as possible and ordered the wounded evacuated and their weapons and ammunition brought to him.
Establishing a l-man defensive position, he ordered the platoon"s withdrawal and despite his wound and with complete disregard for himself remained behind to cover the movement.
When last seen he was single-handedly firing all available weapons so effectively that he caused an estimated 50 enemy casualties. His ammunition was soon expended and his position overrun, but this intrepid action saved the platoon and halted the enemy"s advance until the main line of resistance was prepared to throw back the attack.
1st Lieutenant Henry"s outstanding gallantry and noble self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty reflect the highest honor on him and are in keeping with the esteemed traditions of the United States. Army.
In May 1960, a United States. Army facility in Daegu, South of Korea, was renamed "Camp Henry" in his honor. On October 20, 2004, a large crowd came together at the Annabelle Farmer Park in downtown Vian.
They had come together to pay respects to long-lost hometown hero and Medal of Honor recipient, 1st Lieutenant Frederick F. Henry. "Nearly 100 people attended the ceremony at Annabelle Farmer Park, according to Vian Mayor Kenneth Johnson.
Henry’s story is now a landmark.
A memorial dedicated to Henry and his service in the Army was unveiled at theceremony, according to former Vian Mayor Robert Morris.".