Frederick N. Bonner was born on November 19, 1946, to Mr. and Mrs. James Bonner. His home of record is East Brunswick, NJ. Frederick had two brothers, James and Michael, and one sister, Cathy. He graduated from East Brunswick High School in 1963.
He entered the US Army and trained at Fort Dix, NJ. He attained the rank of Sergeant (SGT). Bonner served with the US Army in Company A, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. He began his tour of duty in Vietnam on October 31, 1968.
On December 31, 1968, while serving as a squad leader in Dinh Tuong Province, SGT Bonner ran through a barrage of enemy bullets to assist a wounded comrade and was mortally wounded.
Bonner was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device (First Oak Leaf Cluster), the Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medal for distinguishing himself on the day he was killed. He also received the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Vietnamese Service Ribbon and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
Bonner’s Bronze Star citation reads:
For heroism in connection with military actions involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam: Sergeant Bonner distinguished himself by valorous actions on 31 December 1968 while serving as a Squad Leader with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry, on a reconnaissance in force mission in Dinh Tuong Province. Disregarding his own safety, Sergeant Bonner ran through a barrage of enemy bullets to assist a wounded comrade. After administering first aid to the man he took over his machine gun and began laying down a heavy base of fire inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy before Sergeant Bonner was mortally wounded. Sergeant Bonner’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Infantry Division, and the United States Army.
A street in East Brunswick, NJ, is named after Bonner for his distinguished service in Vietnam. He is buried in Saint Peter’s Cemetery in New Brunswick, NJ.
Sources: Michael Bonner (brother) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024
