Robert (Bobby) was the son of Eugene (Gene) Manuel Freitas and
Virginia Josephine Goncálves(Gonsalves). He was their 3rd child. The couple was living in Vallejo, Solano, California when he was born.
He had 2 brothers, Eugene Joseph, and Stanley Earl Freitas.
Later, His Mother married Albert Seibert and together, they had a child, Janice, who was the youngest.
Robert was the grandson of Manuel Rogan Freitas and Helen Fern Soares, and also Jose(Joseph) Laurenio (Lawrence) Goncálves(Gonsalves) and Rose Angela Perry(Seamstress) Also, the great grandson of Joseph Freitas and Mary Silva" Freitas(Later Santos) also possibly Mary Frates and Simon
Machado Soares.
Robert is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Merced, California, the very same row Near His Nephew, Alex Eugene Freitas & His mom's last husband, Eddie(Ed) Dinnis Nelson.
I, Kathleen along with my mom & brothers attended His Funeral which included a Full Military Service, Twenty-One Gun Salute.
Dad (His Brother, Eugene Joseph Freitas also attended. Uncle Bobby was KIA protecting His Men!
MY ANCESTRY: OLD INFO.
https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/view/Military.aspx?tid=7048385&pid=6978572655&vid=53b639c7-014f-4db1-90e8-d033efb37909
~~Bio added by Niece, Kathleen Marie Freitas. You are Very Missed & Loved!
Please message me for any additions or corrections. Thank You for your Tokens of Respect & Love.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Vietnam Veteran's Wall
Wall Name
Robert E Freitas
Date of Birth
9/16/1941
Date of Casualty
6/21/1969
Home of Record
Merced County
State
CA
Branch of Service
Army
Rank
SFC
Panel
22W
Line
104
Casualty Province
Pleiku
Associated Items left at the Wall
N/A
FROM THE 35th REGIMENT ASSOCIATION
The 35th Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SFC Robert Edwin Freitas, who died in the Service of His country on June 21, 1969 in Pleiku Province. The cause of death was listed as friendly Fire. At the time of his death Robert was 27 years of age. He was from Merced, California. Robert is honored on the Vietnam veterans memorial at Panel 22W, Line 104.
The decorations earned by SFC Robert Edwin Freitas include:
The decorations earned by SFC Robert Edwin Freitas include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Robert was killed by FRIENDLY ARTILLARY 4 KM WEST OF OASIS
AFLD, map grid ZA061279.
Robert is buried in the Calvary Cemetery in Merced. (Uncle Bobby is buried near His Step-dad, Ed & His Nephew, Alex Eugene Freitas(1959-1977)
(END MESSAGE)
http://www.cacti35th.org/regiment/kia/kia_details.php?person_id=172_1st
~Bio added by Niece, We Love & Miss You!
The Following was Added by Creator of this page, with Thanks from Family;
Robert was KIA in Pleiku, Vietnam-served with the 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. SGT Freitas is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Panel 22W, Line 104.
http://www.cacti35th.org/regiment/war_stories/warstories_show.php?warstories_id=430
Recollections of Jack Burr
by Jack burr
06/21/1969
Recollections of Captain Jack Burr, B Company commander 1/35 Infantry, 02-07/1969, Pleiku Vietnam
I had been in country for almost a month and when the company assignment came I was ready. I took command in February and for the next several months B Company was involved in a number of small skirmishes.
It seemed the enemy did not want to fight a fixed battle, but favored hit and run, stand-off attacks using mortars or rockets, ambushes and such tactics. So we changed as well, using night ambushes to disrupt their movement, reconnaissance patrols to fix their location.
B Company suffered one soldier killed by friendly fire on June 21st, 1969 in Pleiku Province. Sergeant First Class Robert Edwin Freitas was a fine soldier and an accomplished fighter. He particularly enjoyed calling in indirect fire.
On Saturday, June the 21st I called a halt to our search mission. We had been on the go for several days and I decided to give the men a rest for a day. I had chosen the area because it required minimum security and could be easily defended. We were near a stream where men could bathe or just relax.
SFC Freitas and I were sitting in the shade and talking about something that I cannot remember. As infantrymen do, our talk turned to our profession. We were sitting near my command post and overheard the battalion operations center announcing planned artillery fire in an area about 4 kilometers from our location.
SFC Freitas asked if they needed a forward observer for the planned fires. The company RTO passed the question to Battalion Operations and the reply was affirmative. I decided to go with him.
I told my RTO to inform the platoon leaders what we were going to do and we left. We found an elevated area about 600 meters west of our base and SFC Freitas made contact with the firing battery and started his fire commands. With our binoculars, we could clearly see what the Sergeant was doing as he walked the fires along a ridge line and into a ravine.
Suddenly, a radio voice barked 'SHORT ROUND, SHORT ROUND'. We didn't have time to react. A loud explosion shook the ground as I could hear shrapnel whizzing all around. SFC Freitas was hit by a large piece that took off his right arm at the shoulder.
I was kneeling no more than three feet to his right but was unharmed. I tried to stop the bleeding as I tended to SFC Freitas. I believe he was immediately knocked unconscious. I called for help and continued my efforts to stop the bleeding to no avail.
I cried and cried as I tried to stop the bleeding. But I could not. I lost a friend. After 50 years I am now able to reconcile his loss.
The decorations earned by SFC Robert Edwin Freitas include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
THE FAMILY THANKS YOU, JACK BURR
AND APPRECIATES YOU. WE ARE SINCERELY GLAD YOU MADE IT HOME, AND ROBERT WOULD BE TOO. THERE IS NO NEED TO FEEL BAD ‘SIR’. THIS COULD HAVE JUST AS EASILY HAPPENED TO YOU, AND ROBERT WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED IT TO HAPPEN TO YOU! THAT’S WHY HE DID WHAT HE DID, SO HIS BROTHERS COULD SURVIVE.
Sincerely,
Bobby’s Biological Niece,
KATHLEEN, WITH RESPECT & LOVE TO DEAREST JACK BURR
WE SALUTE YOU SIR. My whole Family Thank You for going with Uncle Bobby! Thanking God, He was not alone.
http://www.possumhollar.com/
Virginia Josephine Goncálves(Gonsalves). He was their 3rd child. The couple was living in Vallejo, Solano, California when he was born.
He had 2 brothers, Eugene Joseph, and Stanley Earl Freitas.
Later, His Mother married Albert Seibert and together, they had a child, Janice, who was the youngest.
Robert was the grandson of Manuel Rogan Freitas and Helen Fern Soares, and also Jose(Joseph) Laurenio (Lawrence) Goncálves(Gonsalves) and Rose Angela Perry(Seamstress) Also, the great grandson of Joseph Freitas and Mary Silva" Freitas(Later Santos) also possibly Mary Frates and Simon
Machado Soares.
Robert is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Merced, California, the very same row Near His Nephew, Alex Eugene Freitas & His mom's last husband, Eddie(Ed) Dinnis Nelson.
I, Kathleen along with my mom & brothers attended His Funeral which included a Full Military Service, Twenty-One Gun Salute.
Dad (His Brother, Eugene Joseph Freitas also attended. Uncle Bobby was KIA protecting His Men!
MY ANCESTRY: OLD INFO.
https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/view/Military.aspx?tid=7048385&pid=6978572655&vid=53b639c7-014f-4db1-90e8-d033efb37909
~~Bio added by Niece, Kathleen Marie Freitas. You are Very Missed & Loved!
Please message me for any additions or corrections. Thank You for your Tokens of Respect & Love.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Vietnam Veteran's Wall
Wall Name
Robert E Freitas
Date of Birth
9/16/1941
Date of Casualty
6/21/1969
Home of Record
Merced County
State
CA
Branch of Service
Army
Rank
SFC
Panel
22W
Line
104
Casualty Province
Pleiku
Associated Items left at the Wall
N/A
FROM THE 35th REGIMENT ASSOCIATION
The 35th Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SFC Robert Edwin Freitas, who died in the Service of His country on June 21, 1969 in Pleiku Province. The cause of death was listed as friendly Fire. At the time of his death Robert was 27 years of age. He was from Merced, California. Robert is honored on the Vietnam veterans memorial at Panel 22W, Line 104.
The decorations earned by SFC Robert Edwin Freitas include:
The decorations earned by SFC Robert Edwin Freitas include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Robert was killed by FRIENDLY ARTILLARY 4 KM WEST OF OASIS
AFLD, map grid ZA061279.
Robert is buried in the Calvary Cemetery in Merced. (Uncle Bobby is buried near His Step-dad, Ed & His Nephew, Alex Eugene Freitas(1959-1977)
(END MESSAGE)
http://www.cacti35th.org/regiment/kia/kia_details.php?person_id=172_1st
~Bio added by Niece, We Love & Miss You!
The Following was Added by Creator of this page, with Thanks from Family;
Robert was KIA in Pleiku, Vietnam-served with the 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. SGT Freitas is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Panel 22W, Line 104.
http://www.cacti35th.org/regiment/war_stories/warstories_show.php?warstories_id=430
Recollections of Jack Burr
by Jack burr
06/21/1969
Recollections of Captain Jack Burr, B Company commander 1/35 Infantry, 02-07/1969, Pleiku Vietnam
I had been in country for almost a month and when the company assignment came I was ready. I took command in February and for the next several months B Company was involved in a number of small skirmishes.
It seemed the enemy did not want to fight a fixed battle, but favored hit and run, stand-off attacks using mortars or rockets, ambushes and such tactics. So we changed as well, using night ambushes to disrupt their movement, reconnaissance patrols to fix their location.
B Company suffered one soldier killed by friendly fire on June 21st, 1969 in Pleiku Province. Sergeant First Class Robert Edwin Freitas was a fine soldier and an accomplished fighter. He particularly enjoyed calling in indirect fire.
On Saturday, June the 21st I called a halt to our search mission. We had been on the go for several days and I decided to give the men a rest for a day. I had chosen the area because it required minimum security and could be easily defended. We were near a stream where men could bathe or just relax.
SFC Freitas and I were sitting in the shade and talking about something that I cannot remember. As infantrymen do, our talk turned to our profession. We were sitting near my command post and overheard the battalion operations center announcing planned artillery fire in an area about 4 kilometers from our location.
SFC Freitas asked if they needed a forward observer for the planned fires. The company RTO passed the question to Battalion Operations and the reply was affirmative. I decided to go with him.
I told my RTO to inform the platoon leaders what we were going to do and we left. We found an elevated area about 600 meters west of our base and SFC Freitas made contact with the firing battery and started his fire commands. With our binoculars, we could clearly see what the Sergeant was doing as he walked the fires along a ridge line and into a ravine.
Suddenly, a radio voice barked 'SHORT ROUND, SHORT ROUND'. We didn't have time to react. A loud explosion shook the ground as I could hear shrapnel whizzing all around. SFC Freitas was hit by a large piece that took off his right arm at the shoulder.
I was kneeling no more than three feet to his right but was unharmed. I tried to stop the bleeding as I tended to SFC Freitas. I believe he was immediately knocked unconscious. I called for help and continued my efforts to stop the bleeding to no avail.
I cried and cried as I tried to stop the bleeding. But I could not. I lost a friend. After 50 years I am now able to reconcile his loss.
The decorations earned by SFC Robert Edwin Freitas include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
THE FAMILY THANKS YOU, JACK BURR
AND APPRECIATES YOU. WE ARE SINCERELY GLAD YOU MADE IT HOME, AND ROBERT WOULD BE TOO. THERE IS NO NEED TO FEEL BAD ‘SIR’. THIS COULD HAVE JUST AS EASILY HAPPENED TO YOU, AND ROBERT WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED IT TO HAPPEN TO YOU! THAT’S WHY HE DID WHAT HE DID, SO HIS BROTHERS COULD SURVIVE.
Sincerely,
Bobby’s Biological Niece,
KATHLEEN, WITH RESPECT & LOVE TO DEAREST JACK BURR
WE SALUTE YOU SIR. My whole Family Thank You for going with Uncle Bobby! Thanking God, He was not alone.
http://www.possumhollar.com/
Robert (Bobby) was the son of Eugene (Gene) Manuel Freitas and
Virginia Josephine Goncálves(Gonsalves). He was their 3rd child. The couple was living in Vallejo, Solano, California when he was born.
He had 2 brothers, Eugene Joseph, and Stanley Earl Freitas.
Later, His Mother married Albert Seibert and together, they had a child, Janice, who was the youngest.
Robert was the grandson of Manuel Rogan Freitas and Helen Fern Soares, and also Jose(Joseph) Laurenio (Lawrence) Goncálves(Gonsalves) and Rose Angela Perry(Seamstress) Also, the great grandson of Joseph Freitas and Mary Silva" Freitas(Later Santos) also possibly Mary Frates and Simon
Machado Soares.
Robert is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Merced, California, the very same row Near His Nephew, Alex Eugene Freitas & His mom's last husband, Eddie(Ed) Dinnis Nelson.
I, Kathleen along with my mom & brothers attended His Funeral which included a Full Military Service, Twenty-One Gun Salute.
Dad (His Brother, Eugene Joseph Freitas also attended. Uncle Bobby was KIA protecting His Men!
MY ANCESTRY: OLD INFO.
https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/view/Military.aspx?tid=7048385&pid=6978572655&vid=53b639c7-014f-4db1-90e8-d033efb37909
~~Bio added by Niece, Kathleen Marie Freitas. You are Very Missed & Loved!
Please message me for any additions or corrections. Thank You for your Tokens of Respect & Love.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Vietnam Veteran's Wall
Wall Name
Robert E Freitas
Date of Birth
9/16/1941
Date of Casualty
6/21/1969
Home of Record
Merced County
State
CA
Branch of Service
Army
Rank
SFC
Panel
22W
Line
104
Casualty Province
Pleiku
Associated Items left at the Wall
N/A
FROM THE 35th REGIMENT ASSOCIATION
The 35th Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SFC Robert Edwin Freitas, who died in the Service of His country on June 21, 1969 in Pleiku Province. The cause of death was listed as friendly Fire. At the time of his death Robert was 27 years of age. He was from Merced, California. Robert is honored on the Vietnam veterans memorial at Panel 22W, Line 104.
The decorations earned by SFC Robert Edwin Freitas include:
The decorations earned by SFC Robert Edwin Freitas include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Robert was killed by FRIENDLY ARTILLARY 4 KM WEST OF OASIS
AFLD, map grid ZA061279.
Robert is buried in the Calvary Cemetery in Merced. (Uncle Bobby is buried near His Step-dad, Ed & His Nephew, Alex Eugene Freitas(1959-1977)
(END MESSAGE)
http://www.cacti35th.org/regiment/kia/kia_details.php?person_id=172_1st
~Bio added by Niece, We Love & Miss You!
The Following was Added by Creator of this page, with Thanks from Family;
Robert was KIA in Pleiku, Vietnam-served with the 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. SGT Freitas is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Panel 22W, Line 104.
http://www.cacti35th.org/regiment/war_stories/warstories_show.php?warstories_id=430
Recollections of Jack Burr
by Jack burr
06/21/1969
Recollections of Captain Jack Burr, B Company commander 1/35 Infantry, 02-07/1969, Pleiku Vietnam
I had been in country for almost a month and when the company assignment came I was ready. I took command in February and for the next several months B Company was involved in a number of small skirmishes.
It seemed the enemy did not want to fight a fixed battle, but favored hit and run, stand-off attacks using mortars or rockets, ambushes and such tactics. So we changed as well, using night ambushes to disrupt their movement, reconnaissance patrols to fix their location.
B Company suffered one soldier killed by friendly fire on June 21st, 1969 in Pleiku Province. Sergeant First Class Robert Edwin Freitas was a fine soldier and an accomplished fighter. He particularly enjoyed calling in indirect fire.
On Saturday, June the 21st I called a halt to our search mission. We had been on the go for several days and I decided to give the men a rest for a day. I had chosen the area because it required minimum security and could be easily defended. We were near a stream where men could bathe or just relax.
SFC Freitas and I were sitting in the shade and talking about something that I cannot remember. As infantrymen do, our talk turned to our profession. We were sitting near my command post and overheard the battalion operations center announcing planned artillery fire in an area about 4 kilometers from our location.
SFC Freitas asked if they needed a forward observer for the planned fires. The company RTO passed the question to Battalion Operations and the reply was affirmative. I decided to go with him.
I told my RTO to inform the platoon leaders what we were going to do and we left. We found an elevated area about 600 meters west of our base and SFC Freitas made contact with the firing battery and started his fire commands. With our binoculars, we could clearly see what the Sergeant was doing as he walked the fires along a ridge line and into a ravine.
Suddenly, a radio voice barked 'SHORT ROUND, SHORT ROUND'. We didn't have time to react. A loud explosion shook the ground as I could hear shrapnel whizzing all around. SFC Freitas was hit by a large piece that took off his right arm at the shoulder.
I was kneeling no more than three feet to his right but was unharmed. I tried to stop the bleeding as I tended to SFC Freitas. I believe he was immediately knocked unconscious. I called for help and continued my efforts to stop the bleeding to no avail.
I cried and cried as I tried to stop the bleeding. But I could not. I lost a friend. After 50 years I am now able to reconcile his loss.
The decorations earned by SFC Robert Edwin Freitas include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
THE FAMILY THANKS YOU, JACK BURR
AND APPRECIATES YOU. WE ARE SINCERELY GLAD YOU MADE IT HOME, AND ROBERT WOULD BE TOO. THERE IS NO NEED TO FEEL BAD ‘SIR’. THIS COULD HAVE JUST AS EASILY HAPPENED TO YOU, AND ROBERT WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED IT TO HAPPEN TO YOU! THAT’S WHY HE DID WHAT HE DID, SO HIS BROTHERS COULD SURVIVE.
Sincerely,
Bobby’s Biological Niece,
KATHLEEN, WITH RESPECT & LOVE TO DEAREST JACK BURR
WE SALUTE YOU SIR. My whole Family Thank You for going with Uncle Bobby! Thanking God, He was not alone.
http://www.possumhollar.com/
Virginia Josephine Goncálves(Gonsalves). He was their 3rd child. The couple was living in Vallejo, Solano, California when he was born.
He had 2 brothers, Eugene Joseph, and Stanley Earl Freitas.
Later, His Mother married Albert Seibert and together, they had a child, Janice, who was the youngest.
Robert was the grandson of Manuel Rogan Freitas and Helen Fern Soares, and also Jose(Joseph) Laurenio (Lawrence) Goncálves(Gonsalves) and Rose Angela Perry(Seamstress) Also, the great grandson of Joseph Freitas and Mary Silva" Freitas(Later Santos) also possibly Mary Frates and Simon
Machado Soares.
Robert is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Merced, California, the very same row Near His Nephew, Alex Eugene Freitas & His mom's last husband, Eddie(Ed) Dinnis Nelson.
I, Kathleen along with my mom & brothers attended His Funeral which included a Full Military Service, Twenty-One Gun Salute.
Dad (His Brother, Eugene Joseph Freitas also attended. Uncle Bobby was KIA protecting His Men!
MY ANCESTRY: OLD INFO.
https://www.ancestry.com/family-tree/view/Military.aspx?tid=7048385&pid=6978572655&vid=53b639c7-014f-4db1-90e8-d033efb37909
~~Bio added by Niece, Kathleen Marie Freitas. You are Very Missed & Loved!
Please message me for any additions or corrections. Thank You for your Tokens of Respect & Love.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Vietnam Veteran's Wall
Wall Name
Robert E Freitas
Date of Birth
9/16/1941
Date of Casualty
6/21/1969
Home of Record
Merced County
State
CA
Branch of Service
Army
Rank
SFC
Panel
22W
Line
104
Casualty Province
Pleiku
Associated Items left at the Wall
N/A
FROM THE 35th REGIMENT ASSOCIATION
The 35th Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, SFC Robert Edwin Freitas, who died in the Service of His country on June 21, 1969 in Pleiku Province. The cause of death was listed as friendly Fire. At the time of his death Robert was 27 years of age. He was from Merced, California. Robert is honored on the Vietnam veterans memorial at Panel 22W, Line 104.
The decorations earned by SFC Robert Edwin Freitas include:
The decorations earned by SFC Robert Edwin Freitas include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with Valor, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Robert was killed by FRIENDLY ARTILLARY 4 KM WEST OF OASIS
AFLD, map grid ZA061279.
Robert is buried in the Calvary Cemetery in Merced. (Uncle Bobby is buried near His Step-dad, Ed & His Nephew, Alex Eugene Freitas(1959-1977)
(END MESSAGE)
http://www.cacti35th.org/regiment/kia/kia_details.php?person_id=172_1st
~Bio added by Niece, We Love & Miss You!
The Following was Added by Creator of this page, with Thanks from Family;
Robert was KIA in Pleiku, Vietnam-served with the 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. SGT Freitas is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Panel 22W, Line 104.
http://www.cacti35th.org/regiment/war_stories/warstories_show.php?warstories_id=430
Recollections of Jack Burr
by Jack burr
06/21/1969
Recollections of Captain Jack Burr, B Company commander 1/35 Infantry, 02-07/1969, Pleiku Vietnam
I had been in country for almost a month and when the company assignment came I was ready. I took command in February and for the next several months B Company was involved in a number of small skirmishes.
It seemed the enemy did not want to fight a fixed battle, but favored hit and run, stand-off attacks using mortars or rockets, ambushes and such tactics. So we changed as well, using night ambushes to disrupt their movement, reconnaissance patrols to fix their location.
B Company suffered one soldier killed by friendly fire on June 21st, 1969 in Pleiku Province. Sergeant First Class Robert Edwin Freitas was a fine soldier and an accomplished fighter. He particularly enjoyed calling in indirect fire.
On Saturday, June the 21st I called a halt to our search mission. We had been on the go for several days and I decided to give the men a rest for a day. I had chosen the area because it required minimum security and could be easily defended. We were near a stream where men could bathe or just relax.
SFC Freitas and I were sitting in the shade and talking about something that I cannot remember. As infantrymen do, our talk turned to our profession. We were sitting near my command post and overheard the battalion operations center announcing planned artillery fire in an area about 4 kilometers from our location.
SFC Freitas asked if they needed a forward observer for the planned fires. The company RTO passed the question to Battalion Operations and the reply was affirmative. I decided to go with him.
I told my RTO to inform the platoon leaders what we were going to do and we left. We found an elevated area about 600 meters west of our base and SFC Freitas made contact with the firing battery and started his fire commands. With our binoculars, we could clearly see what the Sergeant was doing as he walked the fires along a ridge line and into a ravine.
Suddenly, a radio voice barked 'SHORT ROUND, SHORT ROUND'. We didn't have time to react. A loud explosion shook the ground as I could hear shrapnel whizzing all around. SFC Freitas was hit by a large piece that took off his right arm at the shoulder.
I was kneeling no more than three feet to his right but was unharmed. I tried to stop the bleeding as I tended to SFC Freitas. I believe he was immediately knocked unconscious. I called for help and continued my efforts to stop the bleeding to no avail.
I cried and cried as I tried to stop the bleeding. But I could not. I lost a friend. After 50 years I am now able to reconcile his loss.
The decorations earned by SFC Robert Edwin Freitas include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star with V, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
THE FAMILY THANKS YOU, JACK BURR
AND APPRECIATES YOU. WE ARE SINCERELY GLAD YOU MADE IT HOME, AND ROBERT WOULD BE TOO. THERE IS NO NEED TO FEEL BAD ‘SIR’. THIS COULD HAVE JUST AS EASILY HAPPENED TO YOU, AND ROBERT WOULD NOT HAVE WANTED IT TO HAPPEN TO YOU! THAT’S WHY HE DID WHAT HE DID, SO HIS BROTHERS COULD SURVIVE.
Sincerely,
Bobby’s Biological Niece,
KATHLEEN, WITH RESPECT & LOVE TO DEAREST JACK BURR
WE SALUTE YOU SIR. My whole Family Thank You for going with Uncle Bobby! Thanking God, He was not alone.
http://www.possumhollar.com/
Inscription
ROBERT E FREITAS
CALIFORNIA
PSG CO B 35 INF 4 INF DIV
VIETNAM BSM & OLC - PH
SEPT 16 1941 JUNE 21 1969
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