My walk this morning was dedicated in honor of Army Staff Sergeant Frederick A. Hassler age 21 from Cumberland County TN. He was assigned to Unit D Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade, USARV. He died December 30, 1969 from small arms fire in the Saigon area.
Sgt Hassler was a 1968 graduate of Cumberland County High School and entered the Army in July of that year.
Hassler was the recipient of the Bronze Star, the fourth highest medal of valor awarded. He was also awarded the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal with three Bronze Stars and one Oak Leaf, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, U.S. Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Military Merit Medal.
There is a bridge over Basses Creek dedicated in his name. Frederick A. Hassler Memorial Bridge, or Freddie as his family called him.
My walk went very well. It was a short walk of just 5.09 . I was very lucky and dodged on the rain that was in the area. I want to thank everyone that waved, honked to help me honor Mr Hassler. He will not be forgotten.