Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient. He received the award posthumously (presented to his family) from Vice President Gerald R. Ford at Blair House in Washington DC on August 8, 1974, for his actions as a corporal with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, US Army, on August 19, 1970, near Fire Base Barnett, Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam. He joined the US Army in 1969 and the following year he was sent to South Vietnam. On August 19, 1970, his unit was engaged in a firefight with the enemy and he was about to throw a hand grenade when he was wounded, causing him to drop the activated device. He then smothered the grenade with his body, sacrificing his life to protect his fellow soldiers from the blast. He was also awarded the Purple Heart. His Medal of Honor citation reads: "Cpl. Fratellenico distinguished himself while serving as a rifleman with Company B. Cpl. Fratellenico's squad was pinned down by intensive fire from 2 well-fortified enemy bunkers. At great personal risk Cpl. Fratellenico maneuvered forward and, using hand grenades, neutralized the first bunker which was occupied by a number of enemy soldiers. While attacking the second bunker, enemy fire struck Cpl. Fratellenico, causing him to fall to the ground and drop a grenade which he was preparing to throw. Alert to the imminent danger to his comrades, Cpl. Fratellenico retrieved the grenade and fell upon it an instant before it exploded. His heroic actions prevented death or serious injury to 4 of his comrades nearby and inspired his unit which subsequently overran the enemy position. Cpl. Fratellenico's conspicuous gallantry, extraordinary heroism, and intrepidity at the cost of his life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army."