Fred had spent his last two civilian summers working at the Experiment Station where his forthright manner, winning personality and fine spirit of cooperation endeared him to all.

Overseas since February, 1944, the tall athletic Fred participated in the fight for the Anzio Beachhead, April 28: the push to Rome, June 5, and was in the first wave to land on the beaches of Southern France on August 15.  During the Rome engagement, he distinguished himself for excellence in combat, wining the Infantry Badge, and becoming a private first class.

After Fred’s division, the 3rd, then part of the 6th Army Corps, helped to establish the Southern France Beachhead, he was wounded on September 8 at Besancon, France as they pushed up the Rhone Valley.  For this he was later awarded the Purple Heart. 

After being hospitalized for two weeks he returned to active duty in the Vosges Mountains sector.  On October 15 he returned to a rest camp, where he was promoted to Sergeant.  His last letter home was written on October 24—the day he again returned to his outfit and active duty.

Fred was the type of boy upon which the Army bases its faith for victory.  He had held the 100 and 200 yard dash records a Kennett Consolidated School.  He was an Eagle Scout, and had been Assistant Scoutmaster of his Scout troop at Kennett Square.  A viola player, he also had represented his school on the All Pennsylvania Orchestra, comprised of outstanding talent from schools throughout the state.

Fred’s courage and unusual bravery in action gives us all a deep sense of pride…and of true gratitude.  At one time the teen-age lad and another boy came head-on to a German munitions tank---and managed, with typical American Know-how and determination, to blow it up.

Fred had collected and sent home a large number of German trophies: arm bands, watches and insignia.  He had hoped, on returning, to study medicine.  His basic training at Camp Wheeler in the fall of 1943 delayed his premedical studies.

Home Office shares with the Schlaanstine’s their great loss, and their pride in the boy who, in such a brief period, contributed so much to his country’s future. And we know that Fred would feel the same way about his father, who in the face of such heart break, was on the job as usual on Monday morning.  Many who carried on the business with Ray Schlaanstine were unaware of the tragedy.”

 After Fred’ division, the 3rd, then part of the 6th Army Corps, helped to establish the Southern France Beachhead, he was wounded on September 8 at Besancon, France as they pushed up the Rhone Valley.  For this he was later awarded the Purple He

After being hospitalized for two weeks he returned to active duty in the Vosges Mountains sector.  On October 15 he returned to a rest camp, where he was promoted to Sergeant.  His last letter home was written on October 24—the day he again returned to his outfit and active duty.

         

Fred was the type of boy upon which the Army bases its faith for victory. He had held the 100 and 200 yard dash records a Kennett Consolidated School.  He was an Eagle Scout, and had been Assistant Scoutmaster of his Scout troop at Kennett Squ
are.  A viola player, he also had represented his school on the All Pennsylvania Orchestra, comprised of outstanding talent from schools throughout the state.

Fred’s courage and unusual bravery in action gives us all a deep sense of pride…and of true gratitude.  At one time the teen-age lad and another boy came head-on to a German munitions tank---and managed, with typical American Know-how and determination, to blow it up.

Fred had collected and sent home a large number of German trophies: arm bands, watches and insignia.  He had hoped, on returning, to study medicine.  His basic training at Camp Wheeler in the fall of 1943 delayed his premedical studies.

Home Office shares with the Schlaanstine’s their great loss, and their pride in the boy who, in such a brief period, contributed so much to his country’s future. And we know that Fred would feel the same way about his father, who in the face of such heart break, was on the job as usual on Monday morning. Many who carried on the business with Ray Schlaanstine were unaware of the tragedy.”

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