Michael G. Fredericks

  • BORN: January 14, 1959
  • DIED: April 1993
  • LOCATION: Southfield, MI


Sargeant First Class Michael Gordon Fredericks was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan the fourth child of John and Pat (Kurth) Fredericks. His older siblings Beth, Lori and John were very excited to finally have teams - two boys and two girls! Later, in 1967, the boys won out when brother Steve was born and the boys outnumbered the girls.

In his autobiography, written as part of his LA Sheriff training application in 1990, Mike wrote, "I was in my elementary school library when I was about ten years old and I came across a tall, thin, hardcover picture book titled, 'The Green Berets' by C.B. Colby. I honestly believe it was at that young point in my life that I made the decision on what was to become my future career choice."

In 1974, Mike discovered Camp Tanuga in Kalkaska, Michigan. He was a camper, and later became a staff member and volunteer for life. His friends at Camp Tanuga honored him by carving a totem pole in his honor in 1995.

Michael enlisted in the United States Army right out of high school in September of 1977. Over the next 16 years he served with the 20th Engineer Brigade, the 75th Ranger Regiment, and the 5th Special Forces Group. At every level of training, Mike was called out as "#1 basic trainee", "recruit of the cycle", or "distinguished honor graduate."

He wrote a letter home just prior to leaving for Zaire, Africa in 1989 that if anything happened to him to take his ashes to Camp Tanuga...have a huge bonfire...sit around and tell stories about the fun and wild things we did...and let him stay at camp forever.

Michael G. Fredericks went missing from Ft. Bragg, North Carolina on Saturday March 27, 1993. He went to Camp Mackall for his regular weekend rucksack run. He parked his car, put his keys and wallet in his desk, strapped on a 50-pound pack and took off into the woods. He never came out. At least no one ever saw him again until he was found two weeks later. Michael had been shot at close range, murdered and left in the river. His murder remains unsolved.

Michael's life was celebrated at Camp Tanuga and his spirit, "the eagle", will be there forever. Mike was a simple, fun guy. He was crazy about his cars, his music, his blue jeans and t-shirts that looked so great across his well-trained, buff bod. He loved the solitude of the woods and at the same time, he loved that he had devoted his life to protecting his country.

Mike also loved to sing along with one of his favorite musicians, Jimmy Buffet. When our family gets together, at some point in the party, someone pumps up the volume and we all start singing loud and proud for Mike - -

"Cheeseburger is paradise
Heaven on earth with an onion slice
Not too particular not too precise
I'm just a cheeseburger in paradise"

Next time you hear that song, maybe you'll sing along and remember him too.

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