THE WALL OF FACES

Fred...Honoring you on your birthday...Never forgotten.....God Bless

Dear Sp4 Frederick Gruber,
Thank you for your service as a UH-1 Helicopter Repairer (Door Gunner.) Your 70th birthday just passed,happy birthday. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Specialist Four Frederick Louis Gruber, Served with the 116th Assault Helicopter Company, 269th Aviation Battalion, 12th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

i submitted and took the photo of Fred holding the 2.75" rocket. This was a few weeks prior to that day he perished in the aircraft incident. There weren't too many other hornets who were from California, so we kind of felt some commonality serving in the 116 th AHC, in cu chi together. Fred had recently extended for 6 months, and received a 30 day leave, back home with his family. He related stories of how badly people were treating him, as a combat soldier in viet nam. He felt more at home with others, in our unit, than he did with the civilian anti war group he encountered on his final leave. His extension was to earn an early out, as he would have too little time left in service, after the 6 month extension. He was a dedicated, honorable soldier.

Dear SP4 Frederick Louis Gruber, 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