In Memory of Fred Fenter - Msgt-United States Air Force Oct. 1, 1953- Dec.21, 1972 - A great man, a great friend |
">
">
">
">
Fred Fenter, or "Freddy", as most people called him, was my best buddy at Sunnyside High School in Tucson, Arizona. He always loved aircraft and joined the U.S. Air Force right out of high school in 1971. The Vietnam war was still raging at that time, and Freddy volunteered as a gunner aboard an AC-130 Spectre Gunship. He had flown many missions, but on the evening of December 21, 1972 his plane was shot down near Pakse, Laos while en route to an enemy interdiction mission from Ubon Air Force Base in Thailand where he was stationed. This is where you see him standing in the picture above. He was listed as missing in action for 13 years when, in 1985, his remains along with the remains of other crew members were recovered from the crash site in Laos by a joint American/Laotian excavation team. Although Fred was an Airman First Class at the time his plane was shot down, he progressed to the rank of Master Sergeant during his 13 years of missing in action status. His mother, Mattie Fenter, requested that Freddy be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. And he was, with full military honors. A memorial service was held in Tucson 2 weeks later. Fred was well-liked by all who knew him. He was honest, hard working, and always there to lend a hand to those in need. He always laughed raucously at the cartoon satires that I drew about certain high school teachers, and about co-workers at Sandy's Restaurant where we both worked during our last year of high school. I also good-naturedly lampooned him in many of my strips. He laughed at those the hardest. He was always a good sport about it. I am working on a comic strip concept right now which will feature Fred as a main character. Fred was the closest thing I had to a brother. He will be missed always. |
Leaving Tucson back to duty for the last time |
Fred's casket is saluted as it is removed from the hearse by an Air Force Honor Guard at Arlington National Cemetery in 1985. |
The procession into the chapel for services. A good man is gone, but not forgotten. |
Fred's ID photo taken in 1971 |
AC-130 Spectre Gunship |
