In Memory Of

Frederick Charles Heriaud

PFC - E3 - U.S. Army
Age 21, Single
Delta Company
2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry
1st Cavalry Division, Airmobile
Born: December 4, 1943
From Oswego, Illinois
Tour began August 16, 1965
Died: Wednesday, November 17, 1965
Ia Drang Valley - South Vietnam
Cause: Multiple Fragmentation Wounds

Fred was born at St Joseph's Hospital in Aurora, Illinois to Earl and Loraine Heriaud. Fred's brothers and sisters were, Vernice, Charlotte, Al, Gene, (Fred), Tom, Joe, Adeline, Lee, Neal, June, Jim, Ed and Nan. Fred attended Plano High School for his first three years, where he lettered in basketball all three years and played one year of varsity football. His senior year was at Yorkville High School where he played basketball, football, served on the student council, was class treasurer, an honor student and graduated in 1961. Thanks to Lisa Ripper, his niece, for this information.

- My Friend -

Fred, died in the jungle, in the Ia Drang Valley, when our unit was attacked in an ambush. He died next to me shortly after 1 PM in the afternoon. Once when we talked, he told me that he wanted to be a teacher after he got out of the service. He had a warm, outgoing personality and always seemed to be smiling or trying to make others smile. Fred was indeed headed for greater things in life, when he was stopped short. I will never forget you my friend. May you rest in peace.  Your friend, Brian Ripley.
A public funeral was held on December 4, 1965 on what would have been Fred's 22nd birthday.  The memorial service was held at the Church of the Good Shepard in Oswego.  Representatives of each branch of the service, several veterans organizations, color guard and color bearers and many military personel were present.  A rifle salute was fired in his honor.  His mother accepted the flag that had covered his coffin.  Services were held at Lincoln Memorial Park. (From The Oswegoland Ledger)