Fredrick Lester Mongold

Frederick Lester Mongold, 81, died on January 20, 2026 at Sentara RMH as a result of the aftereffects of Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam. He was born on May 27, 1944, son of the late Lester and Mae See Mongold.

He proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1964 – 1968. In 1964 he was in the Honor Guard in Washington, DC. He was a chauffeur in the Inaugural Parade and at the Inaugural Ball for President Lyndon Johnson. He was a chauffeur for political dignitaries and visiting foreign dignitaries in Washington, DC. He was also in the Honor Guard at Arlington National Cemetery.

He was stationed with the US Marine Corps, 3rd Marines 3rd Division Recon Special Forces in Vietnam from late 1966 through 1968 during the TET Offensive, in Khe Sanh, Camp Carrol and the Rock Pile on the DMZ. He was awarded the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with the Silver Star, the Navy Medal with the Combat V for Valor Above and Beyond the Call of Duty. He was a life member of the Veterans of foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Disabled American Veterans.

He was a graduate of Broadway High School, took classes at Blue Ridge Community College and Massanutten Vo-Tech, and for a short time taught carpentry classes at Vo-Tech. He worked for Lantz Construction and Broadway Development Group as a finish carpenter. His meticulous attention to detail can be seen in many of the duplexes in Walnut Ridge in Broadway.

He spent his spare time hunting with his muzzle-loading flintlocks. He enjoyed many years of 18th Century living history, particularly the French and Indian War period. He was a skilled artist, creating most of his equipment for his persona.

In 1970 he married Victoria Hottle who survives. He is also survived by their daughter, Britney Janine Mongold, sisters, Mildred Branner and Betty Mongold, and brother, Lefue Mongold.

His body was cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to Broadway Emergency Squad, PO Box 666, Broadway, VA 22815.

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