Linked Events

  • LTC Robert Frazer, USAAF/USAF Rosecrans 1045hrs: September 24, 2013

Author Topic: LtCol. Robert Frazer, 67, USAAF/USAF, WWII, RVN, Rosecrans, 24 Sep 13 1045hrs  (Read 1527 times)

John Gretzinger

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 390
    • Gretzinger Photography
The Patriot Guard has been invited by the Daughter of Ret. USAAF / USAF LtCol. Robert Frazer to honor him for his service to our country.  We are privileged to attend.

LtCol. Frazer was a PBY Pilot during World War II who proudly wore  the Air Medal w/4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters and numerous Campaign and Battle Ribbons (5 total Battle Stars) from New Guinea, Western Pacific, South Philippines Liberation, Luzon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater.  Later he was recalled to duty to be part of the Atomic Energy Program (Nuclear Weapons/Pilot - B29's) and then transferred to B47's in the USAF/USAFR until Retirement.  He also served our country during the Vietnam era as a Special Weapons Project officer for the US Navy in Vietnam.

LtCol. Frazer battles and campaigns included (66 combat missions, 501 combat hours) at New Guinea, Western Pacific, So Philippines Liberation, and Luzon.  Assigned to the 3rd ERS, typical missions were often complicated by the need for fighter escort, heavy weather, extreme difficulty in locating and keeping in sight the specks of men bobbing on the ocean below, agonizing decisions to land in heavy seas forced by deteriorating or helpless condition of distressed personnel on the water, extreme difficulty in taking the rescuee aboard the Catalina because of pitching of the aircraft and the frequent inability of the downed flyer to help himself, the extreme dangers of accelerating the aircraft to take-off speed across large waves, which raised the possibility of major structural damage to the Catalina, and finally, attacks by Japanese aircraft or surface forces during any stage of the rescue.  During 11 months of performing rescue missions, a total of 325 men were saved from death by exposure, starvation, thirst, or enemy action.

There are no church services for this member of the Greatest Generation, simply an interment at Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Brenda K. Johnson and Son-in-law - Richard W. Johnson
and 2 Granddaughters, 1 Great Granddaughter and 1 Great Grandson.

NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.

For those interested, and all are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate. 

Time Table for Tuesday, 24 Sept 2013

1045 – Stage at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, outside of main entrance (West Side of Road) Link: http://goo.gl/maps/Vpaao

1100 – Mission Briefing

1130 – Flag line and military honors at grave site.

R/C  Bill Foerschler
Lakeside CA
619 733 0745
BFoerschle@aol.com


You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain).  Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car).  Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can.  Please ride/drive safely.


Please remember to share your condolences with the family at this link:
http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/11/view/topic/postid/2146364/Default.aspx
John D. "Major" Gretzinger
MAJ, AVN, USA (Ret.)
61st Avn Co (AHC) - Lucky 15
Administrator - SoCal PGR Mission Ops
Assistant State Captain, Southern California PGR