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.
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.
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.
281st Home --- Return to DAT page.
Here below are three photos of the Arlington funeral;
Click here to see all of the Arlington
photos.
Photo courtesy of Angela Woolfolk
Photo courtesy of Angela Woolfolk
Photo courtesy of Angela Woolfolk
Photo courtesy of Angela Woolfolk
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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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.