Carl F. Schmalz, Jr. was born on September 15, 1947. His home of record is Old Bridge. He graduated from Old Bridge High School in 1965. He was interested in surfing, hunting, driving his ’65 GTO and having a good time. He had two sisters, Drianna and Christine.

He served in the US Army and attained the rank of Sergeant (E4). He served in the Army Americal Division from 1966 – 1967, and the 198th Infantry Brigade in 1968.

On May 18, 1968, at the age of 20, Carl Schmalz was killed in action in South Vietnam, Quang Tin Province.

He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

For years, he has been missed in good times and in bad times. Taken too young to have accomplished the goals and dreams most Americans take for granted, Freddie, as he was called, lived life to the fullest! It was almost like he knew that his days among us were going to be short.

Few people knew the serious side, the responsible side of my brother. He was my father figure—watching over my younger sister, my mother and I. He established and enforced the rules of conduct that have guided me through life. He spoiled my younger sister (10 years his junior), taking her places and doing many things.

Without knowing the actual circumstances of his death, my sister and I have been left to wonder. The Bronze Star hints that Freddie died the way he lived, trying to protect those around him. The Virtual Wall has enabled us to hear from a few men that knew him, but none that were with him on May 18, 1968. We are cautiously optimistic that we will learn the details of those nine months “in country” but the facts won’t change the reality. Freddie was a hero long before Vietnam. He remains forever young with that grin on his face and a twinkle in his eye.
Written by Christine Sabo, Sister

Sources: Christine Sabo (sister) and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024