William Don Fries

Just checked my seabag and my BALL is missing. No doubt it has gone to a better place.

Capt. William D. Fries was my first Naval boss being part of his admin staff personnel office in Hatron Two. The impact of his leadership, mentoring and friendship was one of the reasons I made the Navy a career. He was a great man and Naval Office. May he rest in peace.

Robert L. Gaston, CPO, USN, Retired

At a time like this there are not words to express how we feel about the loss of Skipper Fries. He was a true leader, great pilot and a great friend. We feel the world has lost a true hero and the finest gentleman that we have ever met. We always looked forward to our reunions with the Skipper knowing that he would be upbeat and we would have a great time. Because of his positive attitude we know that he is at peace and will be looking forward to our next reunion with him. God bless him and his family.

It was an honor to serve under Skipper Fries. His love for Heavy Two and her Officers and Enlisted men have stayed with us for over 47 years.
He was a member of "America's Greatest Generation"
The Pers/Admin crew - Bob Gaston, Clark Smith, John Argo, Caroline Hawkins (late Ben Hawkins Wife) & Dave Eastman.

I had no idea that Bill had such an illustrious military career, but he helped my wife and I buy our first house in Charlottesville. He represented the seller actually, and we came in without a broker. He was honest, honorable, and when we hit an impass (we had limited funds), he took something off his brokerage fee to make it work. My condolences to his family. Bill was a fine example of a Virginia gentleman.

America is rapidly losing a generation of men who served our nation in some of its darkest days and inspired later generations to give something back for the privilege of living here.
One of those men was Capt. William D. Fries, USN retired. Capt. Fries flew dangerous patrol and bombing missions in the Pacific in World War II, served through Korea and into Vietnam. As commanding officer of Heavy Attack Squadron Two, his undaunted spirit and concern for his sailors served as a guide for those of us who had the honor to serve under him.
Our nation and all those who knew him are better because of his life and service. And his passing leaves a void.
Durrell M. "Otto" Kreisher, Cmdr. USNR retired.

I felt honored to serve under Skipper Fries. God be with you sir.
Jerry Holman, ADJ2

Skipper Fries was always a good friend and "bigger-than-life' type individual. His love of Heavy TWO and all of it's Officer's and Enlisted personnel was felt by each of us. He will be sorely missed. I wish him smooth sailing and eternal rest.

"The Skipper" was a great influance in my career and my life. I'm pretty certain those who went before him are happy to have him once again. He is missed back here.

It was an honor to serve with Skipper Fries, and to have him as a friend. We will miss his annual letters and cards, but know he will always be with us in spirit. He was truely a great leader.

Bill Fries was what a Navy officer should be; professionally competent, cheerful, a real gentleman and a man of great integrity. He was someone that any JO could emulate and use as a role model. God bless him and his family.

I will miss this OUTSTANDING naval aviator. He instilled confidence and enthusiasm with his very presents. What fortune it was to share a time and place with this gentleman. I will miss his annual correspondence.

Charlie and I met and married after Charlie left the Navy. Over the years I heard nothing but positive and loving comments regarding Skipper Bill Fries. I finally got to meet him at a Heavy 2 reunion. He was all I had been told and more. A true gentlemen. He will be missed by all. God Bless him and your family.

Our condolences to Bill's family. His memory will live on through all of us who had the privilege of serving with him as I did in Heavy Two. He will keep the angels flying in good formation!

The Skipper was the heart and soul of the Heavy Two that I knew. ALL, both Officer and Enlisted, had nothing but love and respect for him. Life is sadder knowing he is not here in body, but he will always be with us in spirit, which helps.

We feel the loss of a great warrior and patriot. It is through Skipper Fries' leadership and life of integrity that we will carry on in the spirit he has set before us.

May God grant Bill's family peace and comfort during this time of trials.

One of the great Skippers Of Heavy Two.

Bill Fries will continue to be part of a great tradition--those before him---those to follow---The United States Navy.