Bobby Harold Freeman

LtCol Bobby H Freeman USMC (Ret), beloved husband and father and decorated veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars, passed away in Springfield, Va on August 6, 2021. He was born on July 21, 1932 in Pine Bluff, AR to John and Emma Freeman. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in July 1948 at age 15, while in high school. His reserve unit was activated in June 1950 just after his high school graduation and he was selected to land with the Alpha Company at Inchon on September 15, 1950 with the 1st Marines which participated in the liberation of Seoul. In October he received a Congressional appointment to attend the US Naval Academy, where he was a member of the Chapel Choir and the varsity rifle team and graduated with the Class of 1955 as a member of the 20th Company.

In 1955, he married Patricia Anne Kratz and together they began a life journey together which spanned 66 years. After completing Marine Corps Basic School in March 1956 he reported to Pensacola, Fl for Naval Flight Training. After completing Advanced Jet training in Corpus Cristi, Tx in August 1957 he pinned on his wings and began his career as a Marine Naval Aviator and reported to VMA214 at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI. Returning to the mainland in 1960, he served in various positions including NAS Glenview, Il and Cherry Point, NC. In 1964 he deployed with VMA225 to Iwakuni, Japan and then to Chu Lai, RVN. Completing his first tour in Vietnam in October 1965 he reported to VT-23 in Kingsville, Tx as a flight instructor. In July 1968 he returned to Chu Lai, Vietnam and served with VMA223. Completing his tour in October 1969, he served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of VMT103 at MCAS Yuma, AZ.

In 1971 he was selected to attend The American University to receive a Master of Science in Technology Management. Upon graduation he reported for duty as Deputy of Study at the Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, VA. He retired from the Marine Corps August 1, 1977. His career decorations included the Bronze Star with Combat V, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

For the next 15 years he worked for the Space Systems Division of General Electric as a systems engineer, retiring in 1993. Throughout his life, he was dedicated to his family, an avid fisherman and hunter. He was an active member of Springfield Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, serving as an elder and a member of the choir.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, the former Patricia Anne Kratz, daughters Lynne Freeman Rychlik, and spouse Thomas, and Karen Lee Freeman, son Robert Kratz Freeman, and spouse Diana, six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held September 18th, 2021 at 12:00pm with a reception from 1:00pm-3:00pm to follow at Demaine Funeral Home in Springfield, VA with Internment at Arlington National Cemetery on November 19th, 2021 at 1:00pm.

A live stream of the service will be viewable at the following link.

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Fair Winds and Following Seas! Semper Fi!