Lieutenant Colonel Paul A. Frey
Colonel
Frey’s War Record Highly Praised by Veterans
Springfield Press, March 17, 1931
“Certificate of honorary membership in the John J. Pershing post No. 9 of the United Spanish War Veterans was presented to Lieut. Col. Paul A. Frey of the National Guard at an open meeting of the organization Monday night at the Legion Memorial Home.
“All veterans’ organizations of the city were guests of the Spanish War veterans for the meeting, and after the ceremonies the guests were served a ‘feed’ and cake and ice cream
“Commander C. H. Rice, head of the local post, presided. Presentation of the certificate of honorary membership, signed by national and department commanders, was made by Past Commander H. D. Durst after Past commander James C. Hardman had introduced Colonel Frey.
“Mr. Durst briefly reviewed the military career of Colonel Frey, from the time when he as a boy of 14, tried to get into the Spanish-American War but couldn’t because of his youth. Young Frey offered to go in any capacity, Mr. Durst said, volunteering as a bugler, drummer or anything so he could get into the service. ‘He even offered to black the boots of the officers if they would take him along,’ Mr. Durst said. But nothing would avail. His later career as captain of the old Company K and his service on the Mexican border was mentioned, and also his captaincy of a company in the World War where he sustained a shrapnel wound.
“Lieut. Curtis C. Gates told some stories about Captain Frey’s service in France, recalling that in the Argonne Forest Frey had been ordered with his men to occupy a certain objective which he thought was too dangerous. Before ordering his unit to the position he went up alone to investigate, Mr. Gates said.
“‘The air was thick with bullets and shrapnel, but Captain Frey sauntered up through the haze of bullets, took a good look and then turned, sending a report that the place was too hot for his men and he would not order them there,’ said Lieutenant Gates.
“Colonel Frey responded with a brief talk in which he expressed appreciation of the honor bestowed on him, and said he considered it an honor, as much to them who were with him in the World War as to himself.
“Commanders of various veterans’ organizations were presented to the meeting, the list including Charles L. Brown of the Legion, H. C. Crist of the Disabled American Veterans, and Richard R. Freeborn of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, together with past commanders of the organizations, who included Len Costello of the D. A. V. and J. B. Fenton, H. R. Awbrey and Dr. R. T. Peak of the Legion.
“Past commanders of the Spanish War veterans also were introduced and included Charles Sansone and Charles C. Church, the latter being past department commander.”
For more information about Paul Frey's service in the First World War visit: http://missourioverthere.org/service-database/55298/
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