Dr. Frederick Jacob Yeager

DR. FREDERICK JACOB YEAGER

Dr. Frederick Jacob Yeager died in his home in Wilmington, NC on Friday, February 20, 2009, at age 93. Fred was born on November 19, 1915 to loving mother Daisy "Cherub" Mills Yeager and Walter Yeager. Fred was married to June Hartney Yeager for 56 years until her death on June 1, 1996. He is survived by his two sons: H. Hartney Yeager and Fred J. Yeager, Jr., Hartney's wife Liz, and two granddaughters Jessica and S. Lindsey Yeager.

Fred Yeager was born and raised in New York City. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and graduated in the class of 1940. While at West Point, Fred lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. In 1964 he received the Sports Illustrated Silver Anniversary award for his accomplishments in football and his achievements throughout his life.

After graduation, Lt. Yeager and his newlywed wife June were stationed in the Philippines before World War II. When the Philippines fell, Fred was taken as a Prisoner of War by the Japanese. He survived the Bataan Death March before being held in captivity for three and a half years in five POW camps. While imprisoned he learned the Russian language, generously taught by a fellow POW. June enlisted in the Red Cross and served in Europe during Fred's internment.

After his release, the family moved together all over the world for Fred's military career. Some assignments included: Moscow, where Fred attended Stalin's funeral; Berlin, where Fred was an intelligence officer in the divided city; London, where Fred attended the Imperial War College; and Washington D.C. at the Pentagon in the Sino Soviet division during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Fred continued his education, earning two masters degrees and a doctorate in Political Science from Princeton University in 1959. After thirty years of service, Fred retired from the Army as a Colonel in 1969, and began teaching the Russian Language and Political Science at Rider College (now Rider University). His innovative teaching tactics earned him the distinguished teacher award from the university in 1980.

In retirement, June and Fred lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Tuscan, Arizona until June's passing. Fred moved to Wilmington, NC to near his eldest son and his family and in the process also found an extended family at Plantation Village.

Lovingly called "Super-Fred" by his family, he will be remembered most for his positive outlook on life and his absolute charm. A person who when faced with the worst living conditions imaginable, formed the "I Like It Here" Club to raise morale in his fellow POWs. A brilliant person who created the Song-Bird-Hall-of-Fame, which motivated his students to learn about foreign languages and cultures while having fun. While this is how his family and students will remember him most, his country honors him for his acts of heroism and his duty to country reflected in decorations such as these: The Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, and the Legion of Merit.

A graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 9:00 AM where he will be buried alongside his beloved June. "A Celebration of the Life of "Super-Fred" Yeager" will be held at Plantation Village (off Porter's Neck Road) on Sunday, March 29, 2009 from 4:00-6:00 PM, to remember the scholar, the officer, and the gentleman.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com

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