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Major Frederick (Fred) Forrest Mentzer

April 14, 1937 --- November 15, 2014

Fred served in the 281st Assault Helicopter Company during 1967 as the commander of the aerial weapons platoon known as the Wolf Pack. His call sign was Wolf Pack 36. Throughout his tour with the 281st Fred was known to be a fearless leader who had the respect of his command, his fellow Intruders, the members of the 5th Special forces, and the Korean forces for whom his unit provided close-in arial fire support in combat operations. Fred was known as a calm, collected, easy-going leader that built and lead a unit that consistently delivered under fire. The 281st is officially known as the US Army’s first special operations helicopter company. Correspondingly, Fred’s Wolf Pack is known as one of the top combat aerial weapons platoons of the Vietnam War.

Fred Mentzer Following the war Fred commanded the US Army Standardization Board for U.S. Army Europe followed by a tour of Duty as the commander of the Aviation Support unit for the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), where he also served as the personal pilot for the Commanding General. After several military positions in aviation in various countries, Fred returned to the states where he took on the task of reorganizing the 281st Association. As a result of his efforts the Intruder Association is now very active with a formal organization connected to and serving all former members of the unit. Fred served as the Association's first president and until his untimely death was active in all aspects of the organization.

Major Fredrick Mentzer was a natural leader and one who was respected by those who served with him and those whom he served under. Fred shall never be forgotten by the Intruder family.

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His obituary, retyped here for readability:

Frederick Forrest Mentzer
April 14, 1937 -- November 15, 2014

Fred was born in Sacramento, California. At a young age he moved with his mother and sister to Medford, OR, where he enjoyed "hanging around" with his Uncle Glen, who remains to this day a beloved friend and mentor. His mother later married Donald O. Mentzer, who was in the Army. In later years Fred took his stepfather's name of Mentzer. Fred attended George Washington High School San Francisco, CA where he excelled in competitive swimming. He wore the title of the champion Bay Area swimmer during the mid-1950s.

Being the son of a military man, Fred lived in many places and gained a lot of insight into the "world at large", especially when he enlisted in the Army after a few years of college in California.

Fred is preceded in death by his paternal father Charlie Williams, mother and adopted father Donald O. and Louise Mentzer (Cornwall), brother Michael and daughter Rebecca Mentzer-Learman. Fred is survived by his wife Karen, his daughters Tatjana Trueman and Lavina Kiernan, as well as his sisters Sonia Sprabeary and Terri Gargis. Also recognized are his many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Fred had an exemplary career as a helicopter pilot and was especially close with the men in 281st Assault Helicopter Company in one of his Viet Nam tours. He was instrumental in helping to establish the 281st [AHC Association] group, which has brought this band of brothers together, honing their friendship and remembrances at an annual reunion. Fred handled the group's newsletters throughout the year, as well as their website. These men have had "the backs" of their brother for many, many years. In addition, Fred continued to hone his skills by taking various classes, especially those that aided him with his advanced computer skills.

Being a true people person gave Fred the ability to visit with anyone, as well as listen. He maintained the countenance of a quiet man, and was always willing to help and offer a quip or two to the delight of many. He especially enjoyed the men with whom he had coffee two or three times a week, and regular treks to the Keizer Elks Lodge.

A memorial service will be held at the Keizer Elks Lodge, December 11, 2014 at 2:00 pm. Fred will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, April 14, 2015, which celebrates his birthday. Arrangements are by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.

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Fred's obit

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Here below are three photos of the Arlington funeral;
Click here to see all of the Arlington photos.

last ride
Photo courtesy of Angela Woolfolk

Arlington
Photo courtesy of Angela Woolfolk

Arlington
Photo courtesy of Angela Woolfolk

Arlington
Photo courtesy of Angela Woolfolk

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Marshall Hawkins:
I first met Fred at one of our reunions in Vegas, early on! I recall sitting at one of those big, round tables in the hospitality suite and swapping stories into the wee hours. I remember how "down-to-earth" he was, telling one story after the other, I believing most were true! I went to his wedding in San Francisco and then he and Karen came to Norman, where Karen had heard too many of my stories and, discretion being the better part of valor, he declined to allow me to take him out on the town to show them around!
His memory was excellent! I introduced him to a girlfriend who had a strange last name. He said he flew with a guy by that name during his first tour flying L21. Told how this guy was a real asshole and ugly too! She told him "Yes, I know, he was my Dad". LOL. We had a bunch of laughs! The last time I saw him alive was I dropped in to Salem on a road trip with a buddy and took him to lunch. Karen was working/volunteering/shopping and Fred tried his best to get us to stay because she wanted to see me! Both of them were dear friends! The next time I saw Karen was in DC when he was interned at Arlington.
Karen's sister, Kim Wier, lived here in Norman and I would see her from time to time to inquire about Karen but she slowly disappeared from my live until I read her obit a couple weeks after she was buried. The last I heard, Karen was in Nursing home in Salem. Yes Fred was my buddy. I miss his dry wit and sense of humor! Thank you for posting this and allowing me to revisit my memories of one of the truly good guys!

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More pics from family and friends

Fred at reunion
L-R: Jeff Murray, Jack Mayhew, Fred Mentzer

Fred at reunions
Fred

Fred and Karen at reunion
Karen and Fred
Karen passed on April 6, 2023; to be interred with Fred at Arlington.

Fred at reunions
Fred

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Karen and I met the day of her marriage to Fred. They were both Army brats and lived for some time in the Presidio of San Francisco during its days as 6th Army HQ. They returned to be married in the chapel of the Presidio. Following the wedding, a reception was held in Sausalito, CA just a few blocks from my home. From marriage to interment, I was honored to attend Fred’s funeral at Arlington National Cemetery while accompanying Karen during the ceremony.

They were both good people. It was a privilege to know them.

Joe B.

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