FRANK J GUNDAKER
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HONORED ON PANEL 9E, LINE 93 OF THE WALL

FRANK JOSEPH GUNDAKER

WALL NAME

FRANK J GUNDAKER

PANEL / LINE

9E/93

DATE OF BIRTH

01/14/1934

CASUALTY PROVINCE

PR & MR UNKNOWN

DATE OF CASUALTY

08/01/1966

HOME OF RECORD

NEWARK

COUNTY OF RECORD

Essex County

STATE

NJ

BRANCH OF SERVICE

ARMY

RANK

MAJ

Book a time
Contact Details

REMEMBRANCES

LEFT FOR FRANK JOSEPH GUNDAKER
POSTED ON 6.25.2013

Crash Information on U.S. Army helicopter UH-1D tail number 64-13772

On August 1, 1966 this aircraft from the 48th Assault Helicopter Company, 10th Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade crashed while moving a sling load of a main rotor blade to a clean-up area. The blade was not properly secured and subsequently on climb out it began to oscillate. The load made contact with the main rotor system, damaging the rotor blades and causing the aircraft to roll inverted, resulting in a crash and immediate fire. All four personnel on board suffered fatal injuries. They included pilot MAJ Frank J. Gundaker, crew chief SP4 Donald D. Wallace, and passengers SP5 Ernest M. Shuman and PFC Ronald J. Russell. Personal Account of this incident: I have lived with the memory of the day I was saved. I still think about it to this day and the young man who saved my life. I was part of the unit with MAJ Gundaker, SP5 Shuman, SP4 Wallace and the young man PFC Russell. The unit method of destroying rotor blades was to take a pick-ax and punch holes into them. Then they would take them out and dump them in the sea (when not located by the sea they were burned). I was going to fly that day with the above crew, but PFC Russell was new in-country by just a few weeks. SP5 Shuman asked me if it was ok if Russell took my place, and since he was new to the aviation company, I responded OK. They proceeded to tie the rotor blade with a 15 x 20 foot rope and hooked it to the grab hook under the ship. I went back to my tent and watched as the ship took off. This is my story of the events that happen that day: The flaps were up on the sides of the tent, as was often the case. I had a clear view of the ship flying over the other tents and the field where my other company members were playing a game of football and other sports. The blade started to oscillate from side to side, gaining a bigger arch. The major could have released the blade at anytime and would have likely saved the aircraft, but if he had, probably a few of our troops on the ground would have been killed. The major tried to fly the ship to the sea, past the troops on the ground, and in the process give up his and his crew members lives. I don’t know if any medals were given, but those crew members all should have received one for placing the lives of others before their own. (From Albert H. Piña, security guard, Pathfinder Dec 1965 - Dec 1966) [Taken from vhpa.org]

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POSTED ON 11.6.2010

If I should die...remembrances for MAJ. Frank Joseph GUNDAKER, USA...who made the ultimate sacrifice

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do somethijng to comort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.
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POSTED ON 7.21.2010
POSTED BY: Patricia Layton Hecht

My best friend's husband

I still remember Frank eating peanuts in my living room with my best friend Natalie, Ken and I. Hope all is well with Frank and Natalie's children whom they loved very much.
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POSTED ON 5.12.2009
POSTED BY: Dan Gundaker

Still a Factor

My father, Frank Gundaker, is still a factor in the lives of many. Since I was too young to know my father well, I really want to thank those that served with him and have contacted me with memories that help me know him better. Upon my mother's death, I discovered hundreds of letters from my father while in Vietnam. What a great treasure. Again, thanks to those that continue to keep his memory alive.
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POSTED ON 12.12.2004
POSTED BY: Robert Sage

We Remember

Frank is buried at Arlington Nat Cem.
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