Frederick Burns was born on June 11, 1949, in Freeport, New York. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 10, 1967, and completed basic training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina, in September 1967. Pvt Burns then attended infantry training at MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, from September to December 1967, followed by service as a rifleman with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division in South Vietnam from December 18, 1967, until he was captured and taken as a Prisoner of War on December 25, 1967. After spending 375 days in captivity, Sgt Burns died in captivity on January 2, 1969. His remains were returned to the United States on October 4, 1994, and he was buried at the Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.