Fred grew up in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. After enlisting in the U.S. Army, he trained as a medical specialist and served with Company A, 27th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division in the Vietnam War. On November 5, 1966, he was killed by small arms fire while performing his duties as a medic.

His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. His name is inscribed on Panel 12E, Line 28 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.