19 Jun 2006 After all these many, many years Robert (Bob) is still missed by his family and friends. Bob didn't complain when he was drafted - he said he was honored to serve his country. Bob was a tall lanky guy, 6'4", who always had a smile and was liked and loved by all who had the opportunity to know him. I'm sure if he had survived the war he would have been successful at whatever he would have choosen as his profession. Bob has been honored on the "Wall" in Washington, his home towns of Canton and Massillon, Ohio, also his high school Jackson Memorial High School has honored him and the other three graduates lost in the Viet Nam war. Bob, you have made all of us who knew you proud!! From his brother, John W. Ater jater@adelphia.net

 

23 Jun 2006 I was just about to turn 14 years old when my older brother Bob was killed in Vietnam. Today, I am nearing 50 years on this earth, and my brother is still vivid in my memories. Tears are flowing as I write this. If I could talk to him one more time, these are the things I would say: Thanks for showing me how to draw cartoon characters Thanks for entertaining me when I had the measles Thanks for introducing me to 'rock-n-roll' Thanks for always having time for me Thanks for always making me feel special Thanks for making me proud of you Thanks for your sacrifice to keep us free My brother's life was short, but I know he lived it to the fullest. You could tell by the sparkle in his eyes and the love in his heart. You are missed, my dear brother. Until we meet again, your loving sister. Diane Ater Mancini ddjoem@msn.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall A 25-year-old Lake Cable man who had been in Vietnam only three months has became the 99th person from Stark County to die in action there. Army PFC Robert A Ater, son of Mr. and Mrs. Justin C Ater of 5340 West Blvd., was killed in a helicopter crash. Born in Canton, he graduated from Jackson High School in 1962. He attended Kent State University and was employed by IBM before entering the service in December. A member of the Church of The Lakes, Mr. Ater is survived by his parents; daughter Andrea Marie Ater; sister Diane M. Ater; and two brothers, David M and John W Ater. (From his obituary) Six men died in the crash of UH-1H hull number 67-17587: 119th Assault Helicopter Company: WO1 Merlyn Lee Wentzel, pilot WO1 Patrick Rory O'Brien, copilot SP4 Richard K. Johnston, Brownsville, TN SP4 Raymond L. Stansbury II, door gunner Passengers: SP4 Paul A. Demaline, Delta, OH, A Company 2/35 Inf PFC Robert A. Ater, Canton, OH, C Company 2/35 Inf A third passenger, SP4 Chester A. Pudlo, was thrown from the aircraft and survived. PFC Robert Ater is remembered by his fellow soldiers of the 35th Infantry - the Cacti Regiment Photo and obituary text courtesy of the 35th Infantry Assn

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