THE WALL OF FACES

Donald Frey was born to Gale Frey in Sullivan, Missouri on August 17, 1946. His stepmother was Ida Mae Kinsey. Raised in St. James, Donald was a kind, helpful, happy kid with a big smile. Perhaps this piece from his obituary says it best: “Donald brought joy and laughter where ever he was. He was happy digging dandelions for Dr. Anderson, or helping his Uncle Clifford on the gravel truck, hauling hay or watering the Plaza. Regardless of what there was to do he did the job well and willingly.” Donald experienced tragedy when, at age 15, his father was killed in a truck accident. He graduated with the Class of 1964 from John F. Hodge High School.

Immediately following high school, just as many young men did from those mid-to-late 1096’s classes, Donald volunteered and joined the Army. But he didn’t join just any old Army unit, he further volunteered for “jump school,” became a paratrooper and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. It was the Spring of 1965.

In March, 1965 the U.S. committed the first direct involvement of combat units to Vietnam (some Marines at Danang). Then in May the Army’s 173rd Airborne Brigade was deployed (to Bien Hoa Air Base near Saigon). Then the 101st Airborne Division was ordered to send some of its troops to Vietnam. Among that group was Donald’s unit: Company B, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. On July 6, 1965 his Regiment was flown to San Francisco, then bussed to the Oakland Army Terminal where they boarded USNS General Leroy Eltinge, a troop ship. They sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge, and were on their way to South Vietnam. They landed at Cam Ranh Bay on July 29. Meeting the unit were Maxwell Taylor, then Ambassador to Vietnam and General William “Westy” Westmoreland, commander of all forces in Vietnam, the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) Commander.

Donald’s unit was one of the very first in Vietnam and was unusual in that part of a Division went over as a unit on board a ship. One can easily imagine the camaraderie of Company B, having trained together, and the anticipation of arriving in Vietnam, as they spent three weeks on a troop ship crossing the Pacific. In the summer of 1965 there were a total of about 100,000 U.S. troops in Vietnam. About 2000 had died there. At the War’s peak, about 550,000 U.S. troops would be stationed in Vietnam (1968), and about 58,220 would die there.

From late August until October, Donald’s unit was part of Operation Highland, providing route security along Route 19 in central South Vietnam. Then his unit was part of Operation Sayonara, providing security in the Qui Nhon area for the incoming Korean Tiger Division.

On October 9, Donald’s platoon was on patrol a few miles northwest of Qui Nhon. It engaged a Viet Cong unit along a riverbank and a firefight ensued. Army gunships were called for support and an air strike was placed on the Viet Cong position. Donald Frey died in the firefight, killed instantly by small arms fire. Three U.S. troops were wounded and were medevac’d. One of them died the next day. Donald was 19 years and 2 months.

Donald’s funeral was held at the Jesse Gahr Funeral Home in St. James at 2:00pm on Saturday, October 16, 1965. Mayor Ira Wilson signed a Proclamation requesting that out of respect for Donald, all places of business be closed during his funeral. Donald is buried in the St. James Cemetery.

Donald was a wonderful, happy young man. He was always willing to help others. He was so proud to defend our country with the Army 101st Airborne. We miss him always!

Donald, how well I remember you, a dear friend and classmate of the John F. Hodge High School Class of 1964. Next year (2014) marks our 50th anniversary, and to this day I remember saying good-by and wishing you the best as you headed off to basic training. Thank you for your committment, and ultimate sacrifice. You hold a special place, not only in the hearts of your family and classmates, but the community of St. James as well.

Dear SP4 Donald Frey, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Donald is buried at Saint James Cemetery, Saint James,MO. PH