Frederick Rarick

Frederick received heartfelt birthday wishes and a special visit from military leadership. Brigadier General Brandon C. Anderson and Command Sergeant Major Carvet C. Tate of the National Training Center (NTC) and Fort Irwin made the trip to personally celebrate Rarick’s milestone and convey a message from Army Chief of Staff General Randy A. George, written on behalf of the entire U.S. Army. “Just being with him made me prouder to wear this uniform,” said Brig. Gen. Anderson.

Originally from Texas, Rarick served as a combat medic in the 124th Cavalry Regiment—recognized as the Army’s last active-duty horse-mounted unit—within the Texas National Guard. He vividly remembered the grueling training sessions and shared that riding for ten hours a day left him unable to walk for days afterward.

During World War II, Rarick was deployed to the Pacific Theater, where he served along the treacherous Burma Road and flew over the Himalayas—famously known as “The Hump”—into China. He later described the unforgettable moment of returning home and seeing “the most beautiful lady I’ve ever seen”—the Statue of Liberty—as his ship sailed into New York Harbor.

To honor his legacy, Rarick received Fort Irwin’s symbolic coyote statue, a token of appreciation for a lifetime of service. Born on February 27, 1925, Frederick Rarick served his country with distinction and dedicated over 70 years to practicing medicine following his honorable discharge.