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1st Lt Fred P. Motz attended Riverside Military Academy and Iona School in New Rochelle before he enlisted in New York. He was sent overseas in August 1944.

He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously. The citation cited: During an attack Lt Motz led his platoon through a densely wooded area and over mountainous terrain toward his objective. Eliminating intermittant resistance by skillfully maneuvering elements of his platoon, he had almost reached the objective when he and his men were subjected to heavy small arms mortar and tank fire. After arranging for supporting fire from the attached tanks, Lt Motz led his men in an assault against the hostile positions. The objective was seized with heavy losses to the enemy. After establishing a strong defense, Lt Motz contacted his commanding officer to report the situation. Upon returning to his platoon he was instantly killed by an enemy mortar shell.