Jason Freiwald was born on December 20, 1977, in Utica, Michigan. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on April 25, 1996, and went on active duty to begin basic training on November 5, 1996. Freiwald completed basic training at NTC Great Lakes, Illinois, in January 1997, followed by Intelligence Specialist training at the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center at Dam Neck, Virginia, from January to June 1997. He then attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training at NAB Coronado, California, from July 1997 to February 1998, and Basic Airborne Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, in March 1998. His first assignment was with SEAL Team FIVE at NAB Coronado from April 1998 to September 2002, followed by service with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three at NAB Coronado from September 2002 to March 2005. His final assignment was with Naval Special Warfare Development Group at Dam Neck, Virginia, from March 2005 until he died on September 12, 2008, of wounds he received on September 11, 2008 in Afghanistan. Jason Freiwald was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

His Bronze Star Medal w/Valor Citation reads:

For heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy as Assault Team Member and Cross Functional Team Leader, Joint Task Force, in direct support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM from 11 January to 5 April 2007, and 5 October 2007 to 12 January 2008. Petty Officer Freiwald led a Joint Task Force that executed complex combat operations in Afghanistan. He provided planning initiatives in his area of operations to restrict the enemy's freedom to maneuver and to maintain a constant task force presence. On one occasion, he led his team to relieve a small outpost that was under attack by 150 enemy fighters. With complete disregard for his safety, Petty Officer Freiwald repeatedly moved to a position open to sniper and machine-gun fire to effectively coordinate artillery and multiple close air support bombing runs. His heroic efforts and combat leadership resulted in the elimination of enemy fighters and prevented the outpost from being overrun. By his extraordinary guidance, zealous initiative, and total dedication to duty, Petty Officer Freiwald reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.