David Chris Gerlach – US Navy SEAL, Operation Desert Storm/Shield Veteran, Blog of Shame

militaryphonies

7 years ago

BACKGROUND

David Chris Gerlach, who goes by the nickname “Frotz” comes to us from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Gerlach is 56 years old as of April 2019.

Gerlach has a patch on his vest that shows a Navy SEAL Trident, a depiction of OBL with the date 05/01/2011 and the text “WE GOT HIM! GERONIMO.” “Geronimo” is the code name used in the raid to kill Osama Bin Laden.

Some could debate whether the patch claims the owner was a Navy SEAL or it was just commemorating an event.

However, there is no doubt about the Trident and it’s display in the following photos…

And then, apparently his friends think that Frotz Gerlach was a Navy SEAL.

Then there is the matter of Gerlach claiming to be a veteran Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Also notice the claim of being a Torpedoman’s Mate First Class (E-6). That is the chevron in the middle with three gold stripes that designate a First Class Petty Officer.

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ACTIONS CONDUCTED BY MILITARY PHONIES

It was determined that Frotz Gerlach’s real name is David Chris Gerlach.

We checked the BUD/S-SEAL Database and his name was not listed under “David” or “Frotz” Gerlach.

After contacting the UDT/SEAL archives, the Naval Special Warfare Center and checking the UDT/SEAL database we found that there is NO record of David Chris Gerlach ever completing BUD/S Training or being assigned to a SEAL Team.

David Gerlach’s military records were ordered through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.

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FOIA RESULTS – COMPLETE

NATIONAL PERSONNEL RECORDS CENTER (NPRC)

David Gerlach – History of Assignments 1986 – 1988

David Gerlach – History of Assignments Feb-Oct 1982

David Gerlach – Military Service Schools

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MANPOWER DATA CENTER – SCRA

US NAVY CRUISE BOOKS

Gerlach’s photo was located in the USS Canopus (AS-34) cruise book from 1985, further confirming his rate as an Torpedoman. Here he is shown as an E-3 in 1985.

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DISCUSSION and SUMMARY

SUMMARY SHEET

David Gerlach’s official military records show that he completed almost nine (9) years of active duty.

He was not listed as ever being a Navy SEAL. Nor was there any training listed to attempt to be a SEAL.

Nothing in Gerlach’s military records support a claim of him being a Navy SEAL.

OTHER CLAIMS

E-6 vs. E-5

Gerlach’s motorcycle vest claims he was a First Class Petty Officer (E-6) but his official military records show that he was a Second Class Petty Officer (E-5). Not a huge discrepancy but thought we would point it out all the same.

DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM

Gerlach was discharged from the US Navy on 16 Jan 1991 which is ONE day before the start of Desert Storm. He could not have participated.

There is also no record of his participation in Desert Shield. His records do not support such a claim.

STOLEN VALOR

If Frotz Gerlach leveraged any of these claims to obtain something of value he may be in violation of Stolen Valor at the federal level.

Also, Wisconsin passed its own version of a Stolen Valor Law so the Wisconsin state law may apply.

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