The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PFC Robert Allan Ater, who died in the service of his country on August 17th, 1970 in Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam. The cause of death was listed as Helicopter Crash. At the time of his death Robert was 25 years of age. He was from Canton, Ohio. Robert is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Panel 08W, Line 117.
The decorations earned by PFC Robert Allan Ater include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation.
Robert Allan Ater from Canton, OH. Robert is buried in the Sunset Hills Burial Park Section 17 Lot 523 Space 1 which is located in Stark County near Canton. (Phone number 330 494-2051.) Take Exit 109 (Everhard Rd NW) west off of I-77 on the north side of Canton. Go west on Everhard Rd for about 8/10s miles to the first cemetery entrance (presently across the street from an Arbys Restaurant). Turn right into the cemetery and you will immediately see a "Section 14" sign. Continue on until the cemetery road curves off to the left. A little more than half way around this curve you will see a large statue of Jesus on your right. (This is actually located in Section 19 ) Just past this statue on the left is "Section 17" and you will see a white marble bench with the name of "McDougal" on it. Go about 20-50 feet past this bench and then go downhill about 8 rows to find Roberts grave. (Visited by Jim Hall 11/11/2010).
(From The Obituary)
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.
buck clark
buck@ovationinvestments.com
Buddy, from AIT.
Bob Ater, was a friend of mine, from AIT in Fort Polk, LA.in 1970. We got in country, at the same time, in May of 1970. After I read that he was killed in the Stars and Stripes, I quit reading the obituaries, because of the pain. I now, 38, years later, wish, I had continued to know of my buddies, who, didn't make it. I have always felt, that those of us who were so lucky, should try to live a little for those, who weren't. Bob was, a really wonderful, young man, in 1970. What a shame.
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