Hugh Carroll Frazer

He crossed fire to rescue a man and returned to his own men.

Hugh Carroll Frazer was born at Martinsburg, West Virginia, on 22 February 1891. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1912 and began his commissioned naval career before the American occupation of Veracruz.

On 22 April 1914 he served ashore as an ensign during the fighting in the Mexican port. When a man was wounded ahead of the American line, Frazer ran forward to retrieve him. His movement exposed him both to the defenders' fire and to the weapons of his own force, which had to take care not to hit him. After bringing the casualty out, he returned immediately to his place in the line rather than remaining behind with the rescued man. He received the Medal of Honor for this intervention.

Frazer continued serving during the First World War and commanded submarines engaged in patrols along the United States Atlantic coast. That service brought the Navy Cross, a separate decoration from the earlier Veracruz award. He ultimately reached the rank of commander.

He lived for many years after his active naval career. Frazer died in Washington, D.C., on 9 July 1975, aged 84, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His record combines a conspicuous rescue during an early shore operation with later professional service in the submarine force.