 |
 |
Charles Donald Frederick enlisted in the US Navy in July of 1939, long before
World War II began. He was serving aboard the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor
when it was attacked by the Japanese on December 7, 1941.
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. U. “Frank” Frederick, were not officially notified
of his death until the end of January of 1942. The Abbeville Meridional
reported that Frederick was “the first Vermilion Parish youth to lose his life
in the present war.” The editors knew that he would not be the last.
On February 2, 1942, less than two months after the attack, Mayor J. E. Kibbe
and the town council adopted a resolution giving the name “Donald Frederick
Boulevard” to the street leading from Charity Street to the entrance to
Frederick’s alma mater, Abbeville High School (now J. H. Williams).
An elegant and moving military requiem mass was held in Frederick’s honor at St.
Mary Magdalen Catholic Church on February 8, 1942, and was reportedly attended
by thousands, including representatives of veterans’ groups from all over south
Louisiana.
An honor guard comprised of American Legion members, Veterans of Foreign Wars,
Disabled American Veterans, and veterans of the Spanish American War stood at
attention during the entire ceremony around a draped American flag. "Taps"
was performed during the ceremony by Abbeville trumpeter and later
superintendent of education Norman Romero.
Electrician's Mate 2c Donald Frederick had two brothers, Ray and Roland.
Next: Dunice Hargrave