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Robert Lee Frakes
Specialist Four
H TRP, 10TH CAVALRY, 1ST AVIATION BDE, USARV Army of the United States Macomb, Illinois January 01, 1953 to January 26, 1973 ROBERT L FRAKES is on the Wall at Panel W1, Line 112 |
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Bob was killed while making an extraction of a recon team near Phan Thiet. Mr McPherson and the 3 ARVN Rangers survived. Bob was a Scout-Gunner (OH-6A) and the nicest guy that you could ever hope to meet. One more hour and he would have made it ... he was killed in the last hour before the cease fire went into effect.
SP4 Philip Dick |
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I am writing many years after knowing Robert. But we both gunned on slicks and loaches. I was the company clerk but yet was able to participate on many missions. Once Robert and I joked about not having been shot down yet. Less than a month later he was killed. I was deeply saddened by his loss and to this day I haven't forgot him.
From a comrade in arms. |
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Bobby, I was the new guy. No one would talk to me. Who wanted to be friends with an FNG? But you did. Soon, everyone was interested in this FNG that Bob Frakes was hanging out with. Soon I had a lot of friends. We had our good times in that hell hole. I miss playing basketball with you with that old metal hoop and metal backboard and in the heat and dust. I still can still smell that air and dust. So many hours working in it. I miss you, Brother. I'm sorry it took so long to get this out. I'm sure you'll understand. You always had a smile, no matter what. You're always with me.
Your Friend and Brother in Arms, |
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I first met Bob shortly after I arrived in the unit in June 1972. I was assigned to the Flight Platoon where I served as a Crew Chief on both Cobras and Hueys. Bob was a Chew Chief and Gunner on the OH-6 "Loaches". We stayed in the same hootch. We were both SP4's, the same age, and we had many similar interests. We shared many conversations and good times. He was an extremely easy going and likeable person. Everyone enjoyed his company. I have often thought about Bob and wondered what he would have achieved in life if he were not killed at the end of the war. After I left active duty, I stayed in the U.S. Army Reserves and worked in Washington, DC for over 25 years. I jogged the mall area and would sometimes make it to the Vietnam Memorial. I knew where Bob's name was and I would often say a prayer for him, as well as the others who lost their lives. As I have aged and continued through my life and career, I have lost many family members and friends. Even though the circumstances of their deaths were all different, I truly feel that all of these alliances had some purpose and meaning and were connected in some way. I am no philosopher or expert in anything. All I can say is that I have been blessed by knowing good people. Bob and his family will always be in my thoughts and prayers. The memory of him will remain with me forever.
Billy R. Frye |
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