Home of Record: Philadelphia, PA
Date of birth: 11/08/1942

MILITARY DATA
Service: Army of the United States
Grade at loss: E3
Rank: Private First Class
ID No: 52666324
MOS: 11B20: Infantryman
Length Service: 01
Unit: E TRP, 2ND SQDN, 11TH ARMORED CAVALRY, USARV

CASUALTY DATA
Start Tour: 01/10/1967
Incident Date: 05/09/1967
Casualty Date: 05/09/1967
Age at Loss: 24
Location: Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam
Remains: Body recovered
Identified: 05/13/1967
Casualty Type: Hostile, died while missing
Casualty Reason: Ground casualty
Casualty Detail: Other explosive device

ON THE WALL Panel 19E Line 074

*~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~*

Notes from The wall:

Franklin S. Rutberg
Unruh Avenue, Summerdale

"Frank" Rutberg was a prolific letter writer. In one letter home from Vietnam, he spoke of how his religion had enabled him to better understand the war: "Jewish writings have often spoke of the universality of man before the Lord. Here in Vietnam, one learns quickly the basic common denominators all men possess ... at the front the enemy is color blind; he does not care if his target is black, white or yellow ... Does a man deserve freedom less or a chance to carry on a normal life because his skin is yellow and he lives 10,000 miles, away? " Rutberg also frequently wrote government leaders and politicians letters in which he supported or scolded them for their policies on poverty, taxes, civil rights and education. He avidly supported the U.S. government position in Vietnam and wrote President Johnson and Vice President Humphrey of his feelings.
They wrote letters back thanking him. He graduated from Northeast High School and Temple Community College and was pursuing a degree in secondary education at Temple University when he was drafted into the Army in May 1966. He had told family and friends he was considering becoming a journalist. The 24-year-old private first class, a grenadier, was sent to Vietnam where he was assigned to Troop E of the 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Ruthberg was killed in Vietnam on May 9, 1967. Survivors included his parents and a brother.
... from The Philadelphia Daily News
Posted by: Robert Greer
Email:
Relationship:
Saturday, January 19, 2002

I dont know this man. I am not a friend of his family. I never served with his unit, or in his platoon. I am simply a man who recognized that some people have paid a costly sacrifice to insure that I am free. I volunteered to drive down to Washington D.C. to represent my Police Department for the 20th anniversary of the The Wall. For the anniversary, all 58,229 names were read aloud, taking over 65 hours over a 4 day period. On Friday 8 November 2002 at 1050 hours, I was honored by being afforded the privilege of reading his name. It was unseasonably cold that day. The grass was wet from that mornings dew. The crowd stood silent. I paused, just for a moment, after reading his name. I can only pray that the good Lord has eased his friends and familys pain. And, I pray that his soul rests in heaven knowing that his efforts have not gone unnoticed, and that some of us remember that we have grown up in a world whos freedom was secured by his efforts. Piece be with you, and, thank you.
Posted by: Todd Vogler
Email:
Relationship: 20th anniversary of the wall
Saturday, November 16, 2002

Frank was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse) at the time of his death. 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia are attempting to locate relatives of all of our Troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Please contact us at: [email protected] or through our website: http://www.11thcavnam.com
Posted by: Joe Willey
Email: [email protected]
Relationship: Blackhorse Trooper
Friday, December 8, 2006

I met Frank on the train going from Philadelphia, Pa. to the Induction Center in South Carolina in 1966 and was with him during basic training in Fort Riley, Ka, in the 2nd Bn, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. After basic, he was assigned to one of the Line Companies during AIT. This, of course, meant that he would be out doing all the actual fighting once we arrived in Nam, a fact that we knew of right after arriving at Fort Riley. Whenever I would run into him in the field, he always seemed to be extremely dirty, covered with more dirt and dust than anyone else around him. I don't know why this was, but it was something I noticed every time I saw him. Apparently he was really getting into all this Army stuff.

After being in Nam for a few months, he was transferred to another unit. I would write to him every once in awhile and he would answer when he had time. I then got word that he had been killed on May 9, 1967.

A few weeks later, I got back one of the letters I had written to him a few weeks earlier. On the envelope was stamped, in red letters, K I A (Killed In Action). My platoon Sgt. saw it and asked if he could have it as a souvenir. I gave it to him. (In 1998, I wrote to the Sarge to see if he still had it. At first he didn't even remember the incident, but then said all he must have been doing was being the good sergeant and taking something away from me that may have been too much of a sad remembrance. He said he most likely threw it out over there.)

About 2 weeks later or so, I received my copy of the Philadelphia Bulletin, a newspaper to which I subscribed. There on the front page was Frank's picture, with an open letter he had written to the President saying although there was a lot of dissension going on at home, he felt it was his duty as an American to be over in Nam and fighting for his country.

Frank was a very kind and gentle guy who will always be remembered in my thoughts and prayers.

Jim Radetzky
Headquarters Co.
2nd Bn, 47th Inf, 9th Inf Div.

Posted by: Jim Radetzky
Email: [email protected]
Relationship: Friend
Friday, January 11, 2008


Garnet Jenkins
[email protected]
Grand Junction CO 81501 USA
~ In Remembrance Of A Fallen Hero ~

In Remembrance of your Sacrifice and with a Multitude of Thanks for your Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom. Rest in Peace, Pfc Franklin Steven Rutberg and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. My brother, Sgt. David Dickinson is a young hero, who also made the Supreme Sacrifice in Vietnam in 1967.....A PAIN, NO ONE CAN HEAL...A MEMORY NO ONE CAN STEAL...A SOLDIER'S DEATH GIVES MORE YET...IT LEAVES BEHIND A LESSON TO IMMITATE.....A LESSON.....NO ONE SHOULD EVER FORGET
Aug 16, 2011


A Fellow Veteran and Proud American
A Tribute to a true American Hero
This Vietnam Vet is undoubtedly one of the bravest Americans that's ever lived! Never in American history has this nation been so against its military, and it's never happened since. He could have burned his draft card, remained in school or defected to Canada, but he chose to bravely ANSWER THE CALL made by his Nation. Meanwhile the pubic held blame against him and his fellow soldiers for the decisions made by the politicians of the day. This brave individual stood with his fellow soldiers and gave everything he had. His sacrifice then has made America and our freedom stronger.PFC Franklin Steven Rutberg, today is the very day you had made the ultimate supreme sacrifice.You gave your life for your country. So many years ago, and so far from your home and loved ones. A fellow veteran pays tribute today to your memory, your bravery, your honor, and your commitment to duty and freedom. Thank you for answering the call. May you rest well in Gods loving embrace Brave Solider. For you Sir ARE a TRUE American hero whose sacrifice has made a difference. Today you are remembered by a fellow veteran and proud American. Tomorrow you shall not be forgotten by a now grateful nation. Because in the rising and setting of the sun, we shall remember you. In the blowing of the wind and the chill of the winter, we shall remember you. In the opening of the buds, the blueness of the sky, the rustle of the leaves and the blanketing of the snow, we shall remember you. When we are weary, lost , and sick at heart, when we have joys to share , we shall remember you. For as long as we live you too shall live, for you are a part of us always. May God bless you and bring peace to your friends, family and loved ones.
May 9, 2007


OPERATION EMBRACE
[email protected]
http://www.11thcavnam.com

Frank was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse) at the time of his death. 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia are attempting to locate relatives of all of our Troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Please contact us at: [email protected] or through our website: http://www.11thcavnam.com
Feb 2, 2007


BLACKHORSE TROOPER
POST-TO-POST HORSE-TO-HORSE AND ONTO FIDDLERS GREEN ALLONS AND AMEN.
Monday, May 09, 2005


Jack Newell
[email protected]
Tuesday, January 8, 2004

Home of Record: Philadelphia, PA
Date of birth: 11/08/1942

MILITARY DATA
Service: Army of the United States
Grade at loss: E3
Rank: Private First Class
ID No: 52666324
MOS: 11B20: Infantryman
Length Service: 01
Unit: E TRP, 2ND SQDN, 11TH ARMORED CAVALRY, USARV

CASUALTY DATA
Start Tour: 01/10/1967
Incident Date: 05/09/1967
Casualty Date: 05/09/1967
Age at Loss: 24
Location: Quang Ngai Province, South Vietnam
Remains: Body recovered
Identified: 05/13/1967
Casualty Type: Hostile, died while missing
Casualty Reason: Ground casualty
Casualty Detail: Other explosive device

ON THE WALL Panel 19E Line 074

*~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~*

Notes from The wall:

Franklin S. Rutberg
Unruh Avenue, Summerdale

"Frank" Rutberg was a prolific letter writer. In one letter home from Vietnam, he spoke of how his religion had enabled him to better understand the war: "Jewish writings have often spoke of the universality of man before the Lord. Here in Vietnam, one learns quickly the basic common denominators all men possess ... at the front the enemy is color blind; he does not care if his target is black, white or yellow ... Does a man deserve freedom less or a chance to carry on a normal life because his skin is yellow and he lives 10,000 miles, away? " Rutberg also frequently wrote government leaders and politicians letters in which he supported or scolded them for their policies on poverty, taxes, civil rights and education. He avidly supported the U.S. government position in Vietnam and wrote President Johnson and Vice President Humphrey of his feelings.
They wrote letters back thanking him. He graduated from Northeast High School and Temple Community College and was pursuing a degree in secondary education at Temple University when he was drafted into the Army in May 1966. He had told family and friends he was considering becoming a journalist. The 24-year-old private first class, a grenadier, was sent to Vietnam where he was assigned to Troop E of the 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Ruthberg was killed in Vietnam on May 9, 1967. Survivors included his parents and a brother.
... from The Philadelphia Daily News
Posted by: Robert Greer
Email:
Relationship:
Saturday, January 19, 2002

I dont know this man. I am not a friend of his family. I never served with his unit, or in his platoon. I am simply a man who recognized that some people have paid a costly sacrifice to insure that I am free. I volunteered to drive down to Washington D.C. to represent my Police Department for the 20th anniversary of the The Wall. For the anniversary, all 58,229 names were read aloud, taking over 65 hours over a 4 day period. On Friday 8 November 2002 at 1050 hours, I was honored by being afforded the privilege of reading his name. It was unseasonably cold that day. The grass was wet from that mornings dew. The crowd stood silent. I paused, just for a moment, after reading his name. I can only pray that the good Lord has eased his friends and familys pain. And, I pray that his soul rests in heaven knowing that his efforts have not gone unnoticed, and that some of us remember that we have grown up in a world whos freedom was secured by his efforts. Piece be with you, and, thank you.
Posted by: Todd Vogler
Email:
Relationship: 20th anniversary of the wall
Saturday, November 16, 2002

Frank was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse) at the time of his death. 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia are attempting to locate relatives of all of our Troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Please contact us at: [email protected] or through our website: http://www.11thcavnam.com
Posted by: Joe Willey
Email: [email protected]
Relationship: Blackhorse Trooper
Friday, December 8, 2006

I met Frank on the train going from Philadelphia, Pa. to the Induction Center in South Carolina in 1966 and was with him during basic training in Fort Riley, Ka, in the 2nd Bn, 47th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. After basic, he was assigned to one of the Line Companies during AIT. This, of course, meant that he would be out doing all the actual fighting once we arrived in Nam, a fact that we knew of right after arriving at Fort Riley. Whenever I would run into him in the field, he always seemed to be extremely dirty, covered with more dirt and dust than anyone else around him. I don't know why this was, but it was something I noticed every time I saw him. Apparently he was really getting into all this Army stuff.

After being in Nam for a few months, he was transferred to another unit. I would write to him every once in awhile and he would answer when he had time. I then got word that he had been killed on May 9, 1967.

A few weeks later, I got back one of the letters I had written to him a few weeks earlier. On the envelope was stamped, in red letters, K I A (Killed In Action). My platoon Sgt. saw it and asked if he could have it as a souvenir. I gave it to him. (In 1998, I wrote to the Sarge to see if he still had it. At first he didn't even remember the incident, but then said all he must have been doing was being the good sergeant and taking something away from me that may have been too much of a sad remembrance. He said he most likely threw it out over there.)

About 2 weeks later or so, I received my copy of the Philadelphia Bulletin, a newspaper to which I subscribed. There on the front page was Frank's picture, with an open letter he had written to the President saying although there was a lot of dissension going on at home, he felt it was his duty as an American to be over in Nam and fighting for his country.

Frank was a very kind and gentle guy who will always be remembered in my thoughts and prayers.

Jim Radetzky
Headquarters Co.
2nd Bn, 47th Inf, 9th Inf Div.

Posted by: Jim Radetzky
Email: [email protected]
Relationship: Friend
Friday, January 11, 2008


Garnet Jenkins
[email protected]
Grand Junction CO 81501 USA
~ In Remembrance Of A Fallen Hero ~

In Remembrance of your Sacrifice and with a Multitude of Thanks for your Courage, Service and Dedication to our Country and for Freedom. Rest in Peace, Pfc Franklin Steven Rutberg and know that you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. My brother, Sgt. David Dickinson is a young hero, who also made the Supreme Sacrifice in Vietnam in 1967.....A PAIN, NO ONE CAN HEAL...A MEMORY NO ONE CAN STEAL...A SOLDIER'S DEATH GIVES MORE YET...IT LEAVES BEHIND A LESSON TO IMMITATE.....A LESSON.....NO ONE SHOULD EVER FORGET
Aug 16, 2011


A Fellow Veteran and Proud American
A Tribute to a true American Hero
This Vietnam Vet is undoubtedly one of the bravest Americans that's ever lived! Never in American history has this nation been so against its military, and it's never happened since. He could have burned his draft card, remained in school or defected to Canada, but he chose to bravely ANSWER THE CALL made by his Nation. Meanwhile the pubic held blame against him and his fellow soldiers for the decisions made by the politicians of the day. This brave individual stood with his fellow soldiers and gave everything he had. His sacrifice then has made America and our freedom stronger.PFC Franklin Steven Rutberg, today is the very day you had made the ultimate supreme sacrifice.You gave your life for your country. So many years ago, and so far from your home and loved ones. A fellow veteran pays tribute today to your memory, your bravery, your honor, and your commitment to duty and freedom. Thank you for answering the call. May you rest well in Gods loving embrace Brave Solider. For you Sir ARE a TRUE American hero whose sacrifice has made a difference. Today you are remembered by a fellow veteran and proud American. Tomorrow you shall not be forgotten by a now grateful nation. Because in the rising and setting of the sun, we shall remember you. In the blowing of the wind and the chill of the winter, we shall remember you. In the opening of the buds, the blueness of the sky, the rustle of the leaves and the blanketing of the snow, we shall remember you. When we are weary, lost , and sick at heart, when we have joys to share , we shall remember you. For as long as we live you too shall live, for you are a part of us always. May God bless you and bring peace to your friends, family and loved ones.
May 9, 2007


OPERATION EMBRACE
[email protected]
http://www.11thcavnam.com

Frank was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse) at the time of his death. 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia are attempting to locate relatives of all of our Troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Please contact us at: [email protected] or through our website: http://www.11thcavnam.com
Feb 2, 2007


BLACKHORSE TROOPER
POST-TO-POST HORSE-TO-HORSE AND ONTO FIDDLERS GREEN ALLONS AND AMEN.
Monday, May 09, 2005


Jack Newell
[email protected]
Tuesday, January 8, 2004