Frazee, Murray Bennett, Jr., CAPT

Deceased
 
 Service Photo   Service Details
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Last Rank
Captain
Last Primary NEC
112X-Unrestricted Line Officer - Submarine Warfare
Last Rating/NEC Group
Line Officer
Primary Unit
1963-1966, 112X, Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV)
Service Years
1939 - 1966
Official/Unofficial US Navy Certificates
Order of the Golden Dragon
Neptune Subpoena
Plank Owner
Captain Captain

 Last Photo   Personal Details 

336 kb


Home State
Indiana
Indiana
Year of Birth
1916
 
This Military Service Page was created/owned by Shaun Thomas (Underdog), OSC to remember Frazee, Murray Bennett, Jr. (Murph)(Silverstarx3), CAPT.

If you knew or served with this Sailor and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
 
Contact Info
Home Town
Lafayette
Last Address
Gettysburg, Pa.
Date of Passing
Jun 27, 2007
 

 Official Badges 

US Navy Retired 20


 Unofficial Badges 

Order of the Shellback Order of the Golden Dragon


 Military Associations and Other Affiliations
United States Naval Academy Alumni Association & FoundationVeterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW)Submarine Veterans of WW IIMilitary Order of World Wars (MOWW)
  1939, United States Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation - Assoc. Page
  1941, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) - Assoc. Page
  1944, Submarine Veterans of WW II - Assoc. Page
  1945, Military Order of World Wars (MOWW)


 Additional Information
Last Known Activity:


Murray was born in Lafayette, Indiana on January 8, 1916, the son of the late Lieutenant Colonel Murray B. Frazee Sr, AUS (Ret) and Mrs. Caroline (Matthews) Frazee. He graduated from Gettysburg High School in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in 1933 and attended Gettysburg College for two years. In 1935, he enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland and graduated with a B.S. degree in 1939.

Murray's commission as Ensign began 27 years of active duty in the Navy. Following one year in an aircraft carrier and a year as Chief Engineer in a destroyer, Murray enrolled in submarine school and served in submarines throughout World War II. He made eleven submarine war patrols, each averaging 60 days, the first seven in the Grayback and the last four in the Tang as second in command. He commanded the submarine GAR from 1944-45. For his gallantry in action, he received three awards of the Silver Star Medal and two of the Bronze Star Medal.

Following the war, Murray commanded the submarine Greenfish, a division of 5 submarines and a squadron of 14 submarines, and had four 3-year tours of duty in the Pentagon. Concurrently with his naval service, he attended George Washington University Law School, receiving his J.D. Degree with honors in 1948, and American University, earning an M.A. degree in 1964. He advanced through the ranks and served as Captain from 1958 until his voluntary retirement in 1966. Upon retirement, he passed the Pennsylvania bar exam and practiced law in Adams County through 1981 in partnership with his brother-in-law, the late Donald M. Swope.

Murray was married on December 27, 1941 to Betty Swope at her home in Gettysburg. Their loving 65-year marriage resulted in four children: Nancy, wife of Dr. David D.S. Poor, of Meadowbrook, PA; James, husband of Tricia (Merrick), of Gettysburg; Sally, wife of Dr. Raymond Wells, of Abington, PA; and Murray III, husband of Amanda (Polinski) of Eugene, OR. He is also survived by his sister, Colonel Mary E. Frazee, USA (Ret) of San Antonio, TX, as well as 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Murray was a member since 1931 of the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of the Hanover Elks, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.

 

 

   
Other Comments:




 
Name of Award
Silver Star
Year Awarded
1944
Details behind Award:
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Murray Bennett Frazee, Jr. (NSN: 0-82511), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as Officer of the Deck, Torpedo and Gunnery Officer and Torpedo Data Computer Operator on board a United States Submarine during seven war patrols of that vessel against enemy Japanese forces in alien waters. Immediately after a hostile submarine was sighted, Lieutenant Commander Frazee took prompt and effective action, rendering invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in pressing home a successful attack against the enemy vessel. Throughout this period of prolonged underwater operations, he performed his essential duties with coolness and skill, often in the face of severe hostile countermeasures and contributed materially to the sinking and damaging of an important amount of vital Japanese shipping. Lieutenant Commander Frazee's inspiring leadership and resolute devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 0547 (March 11, 1944)
Action Date: World War II
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Officer of the Deck
Division: U.S. Submarine


(Second Award)

Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander [then Lieutenant] Murray Bennett Frazee, Jr. (NSN: 0-82511), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. TANG (SS-306), during the FIRST War Patrol of that Submarine in enemy Japanese-controlled waters, from 22 January to 3 March 1944. Skilled in the performance of duty, Lieutenant Commander Frazee rendered invaluable assistance to his Commanding Officer in delivering aggressive torpedo attacks against heavily escorted enemy convoys to sink four ships totaling over 40,000 tons and in conducting successful evasive tactics during subsequent enemy countermeasures. His devotion to duty reflects the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Frazee and the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Pacific Fleet Board of Awards: Serial 76 (October 9, 1944)
Action Date: January 22 - March 3, 1944
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Assistant Approach Officer
Division: U.S.S. Tang (SS-306)


(Third Award)

Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Murray Bennett Frazee, Jr. (NSN: 0-82511), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Assistant Approach Officer of the U.S.S. TANG (SS-306), during the THIRD War Patrol of that submarine in enemy-controlled waters, from 8 June to 14 July 1944. Skilled in the interpretation of attack phases during each of the nine successful attacks launched against enemy shipping, Lieutenant Commander Frazee contributed directly to the success of his vessel in sinking seven hostile freighters and one seaplane tender for a total of 56,000 tons. Coolly aiding in evading enemy countermeasures, at times in shallow waters, he rendered invaluable assistance to his commanding officer in effecting her escape and avoiding severe damage. His professional ability, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant Commander Frazee and the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: Pacific Fleet Board of Awards: Serial 79 (October 10, 1944)
Action Date: June 8 - July 14, 1944
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Assistant Approach Officer
Division: U.S.S. Tang (SS-306)

 
 
 

   

  1941-1941, 117X, NAVSUBASE New London/Groton

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NAVSUBASE New London/Groton Unit Page

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117X-Unrestricted Line Officer - Submarine Warfare (In Training)

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Not Specified

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NAVSUBASE New London/Groton

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Last Updated: Jan 19, 2011
   
   
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65 Members Also There at Same Time
NAVSUBASE New London/Groton

CLARK, Charles, CAPT, (1939-1967) OFF 117X Lieutenant Junior Grade
Stubbins, Joseph Briggs, ENS, (1941-1942) OFF 00X Ensign
Eiben, Joseph, CPO, (1913-1945) TM TM-0000 Chief Torpedoman
Brooks, William Jeremiah, CPO, (1927-1944) MO MO-0000 Chief Petty Officer
Carr, William John, CPO, (1933-1943) GM GM-0000 Petty Officer First Class
Moeller, Willard, CPO, (1934-1943) EM EM-0000 Petty Officer First Class
Waggoner, James Stanley, CPO, (1935-1945) EM EM-0000 Petty Officer First Class
Bailey, Lawrence Leland, CPO, (1935-1944) EM EM-0000 Petty Officer Second Class
Fisher, Richard Kirk, PO1, (1940-1943) MM MM-0000 Petty Officer Second Class
Havrilecz, Michael, PO1, (1939-1943) MO MO-0000 Petty Officer Second Class
McGill, Thomas Judson, CPO, (1936-1943) MM MM-0000 Petty Officer Second Class
Nicholson, William Gerard, CPO, (1934-1944) MM MM-0000 Petty Officer Second Class
Pancoast, Jack Edwin, PO2, (1936-1942) MM MM-0000 Petty Officer Second Class
Patrick, Charles Woodrow, CPO, (1936-1943) MM MM-0000 Petty Officer Second Class
Webster, Raymond Eugene, PO2, (1935-1942) EM EM-0000 Petty Officer Second Class
Wilson, Norman Eugene, PO1, (1937-1943) MM MM-0000 Petty Officer Second Class
Adams, Leonard William, PO1, (1938-1942) MM MM-0000 Petty Officer 2nd Class
Adkins, Ralph Langley, CWO4, (1938-1966) EM EM-0000 Petty Officer 2nd Class
Hefler, Theodore, PO1, (1940-1944) EM EM-0000 Petty Officer Third Class
O'Brien, Forest Lee, PO1, (1939-1943) EM EM-0000 Petty Officer Third Class
Parks, Raymond Anthony, PO1, (1939-1944) EM EM-0000 Petty Officer Third Class
Delaney, Thomas Morris, CPO, (1937-1944) GM GM-0000 Gunner's Mate 3rd Class
Ramsey, Carl Raymond, PO2, (1935-1942) GM GM-0000 Gunner's Mate 3rd Class
Upson, Earl Raymond, PO1, (1938-1943) GM GM-0000 Petty Officer 3rd Class
Wert, Woodrow Wilson, CPO, (1938-1960) BM Cox-0000 Petty Officer 3rd Class
Wert, Woodrow Wilson, CPO, (1938-1960) TM TM-0000 Petty Officer 3rd Class
Boyd, Thomas Ray, PO1, (1941-1945) S1c S1c-0000 Seaman First Class
Kaiser, Robert Wellington, PO2, (1940-1944) S1c S1c-0000 Seaman First Class
Markle, Charles Oliver, PO2, (1941-1943) S1c S1c-0000 Seaman First Class
Ricciardelli, Michael Nicholas, PO1, (1940-1944) S1c S1c-0000 Seaman First Class
Simon, Harry, PO1, (1938-1943) GM GM-00TM Seaman First Class
Waliszewski, Stanley Joseph, PO1, (1940-1944) S1c S1c-0000 Seaman First Class
Blanan, Robert Philip, PO1, (1938-1944) F1c F1c-0000 Fireman First Class
Fisher, Richard Kirk, PO1, (1940-1943) F1c F1c-0000 Fireman First Class
Gordon, Allan Harold, CPO, (1934-1957) F1c F1c-0000 Fireman First Class
Allen, Daniel Emery, PO3, (1940-1942) S2c S2c-0000 Seaman Second Class
Burns, Richard Brammall, CPO, (1939-1945) S2c S2c-0000 Seaman Second Class
Flowers, Harrell, CPO, (1940-1964) S2c S2c-0000 Seaman Second Class
Simpson, Joseph, PO2, (1941-1944) S2c S2c-0000 Seaman Second Class
Tokarchek, Anthony, PO1, (1940-1944) S2c S2c-0000 Seaman Second Class
Ullman, Albert, S1c, (1940-1942) S2c S2c-0000 Seaman Second Class
Waliszewski, Stanley Joseph, PO1, (1940-1944) S2c S2c-0000 Seaman Second Class
Calvert, Charles Franklin, PO2, (1940-1943) F3c F3c-0000 Fireman 3rd Class
Ennis, Robert E, PO1, (1940-1943) F3c F3c-0000 Fireman 3rd Class
Frost, Chester Frank, PO1, (1940-1944) F3c F3c-0000 Fireman 3rd Class
Hinton, Clarence Cornelius, PO1, (1940-1943) F3c F3c-0000 Fireman 3rd Class
Hutcherson, Vard William, CPO, (1940-1944) F3c F3c-0000 Fireman 3rd Class
Odom, Ralph Devo, CPO, (1940-1946) F3c F3c-0000 Fireman 3rd Class
Tiller, Forrest Sterling, PO1, (1940-1944) F3c F3c-0000 Fireman 3rd Class
Abplanalp., Elmer Henry, CPO, (1939-1945) F2c F2c-0000 Fireman Second Class
Corum, Richard Ernest, PO2, (1940-1943) F2c F2c-0000 Fireman Second Class
Benson, Walter Amburn, S1c, (1940-1941) AS AS-0000 Apprentice Seaman
Niedwrski, Jacob, PO3, (1940-1943) AS AS-0000 Apprentice Seaman
Wyatt, John Clinton, PO1, (1940-1944) AS AS-0000 Apprentice Seaman
Young, Cassin, CAPT, (1912-1942) OFF Commander
Sbisa, Alvin Francis, LT, (1934-1943) OFF Lieutenant Junior Grade
Ackerman, Edward, LCDR, (1935-1945) OFF Ensign
Blaha, Frank, LCDR, (1935-1944) OFF Ensign
Street, George Levick, CAPT, (1937-1966) OFF Ensign

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