Lt. Col. Fredrick L. Spaulding

85, of Indianapolis, passed away December 22, 2025. He was born April 9, 1940, in Indianapolis. Indiana to the late Walter Leon and Victorene C. (Wysong) Spaulding. Fred was a graduate of Thomas Carr Howe High School. He received his bachelor's degree from Army College and later his master's degree from the University of Maryland. Fred proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, June 1958 through June 1987 with nine years being spent in Vietnam. Throughout his military career, he exemplified the finest spirit of the U.S. fighting man as an Airborne Army Ranger, Pathfinder, Master Parachutist, Raider/Reconnaissance Officer and Special Forces Officer. Fred served in three combat areas, Dominican Republic, Korea and Vietnam. He commanded five rifle companies, two HQ companies, and three Special Forces "A" Teams. He was selected for the United Nations Honor Guard Duty, NCO of the year (1963), and runner up for the Eighth Army NCO of the year. As an officer in Vietnam, Fred was asked to take charge of Firebase Henderson, and "lead the way". This location had been attacked during the night by North Vietnam causing multiple KIA/WIA. Firebase Henderson remained under constant mortar attack and heavy arms fire. During this time, Fred called in effective air strikes and evacuated the wounded. He later returned under fire and recovered all his KIA troops to bring them home. Further in 1970, Fred was selected to plan and coordinate the battle of Firebase Ripcord. Operation Ripcord was one of the last big pushes for the USA to leave Vietnam. He was responsible for all aircraft and fire support during the battle with emphasis on the siege. During this battle, three of the four (OH6A) helicopters were badly damaged and rendered inoperable. The fourth helicopter he used that day was also heavily damaged but was flyable enough to complete his mission of getting all troops out and opening the way for a massive B52 strike. Fred’s disregard for his personal safety while under fire, to accomplish his mission, in the highest tradition of the credo; "RANGERS LEAD THE WAY". Lt. Col. Spaulding received numerous awards including Combat Infantryman Badge, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Flying Cross, Bronze Stars with Valor, Air Medals with Valor, Presidential Unit Citations and Valorous Unit Awards. Fred was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church, Army Rangers Society, Special Forces Association, American Legion, National Pathfinders Association, 82nd Airborne Association, National Infantry Association and VFW. Fred is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Micki (Mihye Shin) Spaulding and one brother, Jon Spaulding. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Leon and Victorene C. (Wysong) Spaulding, two brothers, James Spaulding and Russell Spaulding and three sons, Marshall A Spaulding, Fredrick L. Spaulding Jr, and Jeffrey C Spaulding. Visitation will be on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers, 9606 East Washington, Indianapolis, IN 46229. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital or Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame.

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Lt. Col. Fredrick L. Spaulding

April 9, 1940 - December 22, 2025