Soldier Honored: Jason R. Freiwald

Richard Freiwald, as he was called by friends and family, was born in Utica, Michigan. After graduating from Armada Senior High School, he enlisted in the Navy in 1996.  Freidwald completed basic training and Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center prior to his Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in California. After that, he was sent to Airborne School in Ft. Benning, GA.

CPO Freiwald was originally assigned with SEAL Team 5 but then transferred to SEAL Team 3. During this time he gained more schooling for combat including sniper school, tactical rock climbing, and Arabic. CPO Freidwald was deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with SEAL Team 3.  He transferred to Naval Special Warfare Tactical Development and Evaluation Squadron 2 in March of 2005.

CPO Freidman is a highly decorated SEAL; his awards include the Bronze Star medal with combat “V” distinguishing device; Joint Service Commendation Medal with combat “V” distinguishing device; The Purple Heart; and a post-humorous Silver Star. On September 11, 2008 CPO Freiwald sustained injuries during a battle with heavily armed militants. He died of his wounds on September 12, 2008. Richard leaves behind his wife and their daughter.