Birth date: Apr 8, 1933 Death date: May 23, 2015
Dr. Martin L. Fackler, Jr. M.D. passed away on May 23, 2015 in Gainesville. Born in York, PA on April 8, 1933, Dr. Fackler was a physician, surgeon and renowned specialist in wound ballistics. He received his Bachelors from Gettys Read Obituary
I met Dr. Fackler in the early 90's when he did a small presentation in Phoenix. From there, I went on to correspond with him, and he provided me copies of his papers-these were the days before the internet. He was so willing to share his knowledge and help anyone who had questions. His contributions to the knowledge base are immense, and didnt hesitate to explain things to those without his medical pedigree. A true giant.
I first met Dr. Fackler upon his visit to our forensic/crime laboratory at Miami-Dade Police Department. Specifically, he described his contribution to the development of the "Black Talon" police bullet. (Later, "Ranger").
Later, we'd learned we'd independantly picked two Florida lakes close-by one another to retire to!
His many contributions to forenic science will long be remembered.
--Bob Kennington
Please accept my condolences. I remember Martin Fackler from when I was a junior member of The York Riflemen. I recall his having a .257 Roberts which he was shooting from one of the benches. I don't think I had a conversation with him other than to ask him what he was shooting. One of the older club members, my shooting instructor, informed me that Martin was attending medical school. I've read some of his publications on wound ballistics.
Jim Cole
To Mary's Family I say I am so sorry for your loss. A great man and good person.
I spoke with Marty many times on the phone. I built several of the rifle projects he wanted. Then for years we became closer as we emailed to each other. I did not find out Marty had passed until today. 9/8/15 when i did an internet search of his name.
Will miss him greatly and the internet conversations we had. I am honored that he chose me to build the brain storms he had.
Bill Truitt
Gunsmith in maryland.
I was privileged to call Marty Fackler my friend and teacher for wound ballistics going back to the 80's when he answered a letter from some Army Sergeant he'd never heard of before. His gracious and informative reply began a pattern that continued up until the present day. One of my proudest moments was having the honor of introducing him to a new generation of snipers when he spoke at SniperWeek 2014 in Florida.
I first met Dr. Fackler on one of his visits here at NSWC Crane, around 1994. He was always so gracious in sharing his knowledge of testing small arms ammunition terminal performance, the use of ordnance gelatin and what it could and could not tell you. The knowledge he obtained through study and service to this country which he then taught lives on. Thank you Marty! Fair Winds and Following Seas!
Chuck Marsh
I first met Dr. Marty Fackler at his lab at Letterman Army Research Institute in San Francisco. We had several interesting discussions regarding our experience in Vietnam. He had been a navy surgeon treating gunshot injuries and I had been an army pathologist doing autopsies on gunshot fatalities. I remember test firing a Russian military rifle in his lab. His work produced a practical understanding of the effects of gunshot injury on the human body with implications for treatment. His research papers and illustrations are often quoted and reproduced. He will remembered.
Richard T. Mason, MD, San Jose, CA
I was privledged to meet and begin a friendship with Dr. Fackler [Marty to many] in the course of a forensic examination of evidence in a California firearm death. His clear thinking, extensive, objective research and extraordinary documentation yet serves a model for me. He will be missed, though in a way his influence lives on in those of us who benefitted so much from knowing him. To his family, I express my sincere condolences; you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for sharing Marty with us.
Torrey Johnson
Firearm andToolmark Examiner (semi-retired)
California Department of Justice/ California Criminalistics Institute
and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Forensic Laboratory
My husband and I were stationed at Yokosuka Naval Base with Nancy and Marty. I played tennis with Nancy and Marty and Marty and I won some tournaments while we were in Japan. We again took up our friendship with them when they were at the Presidio in San Francisco and we were at Mare Island in Vallejo. We were sorry to hear about his passing. He was top notch surgeon and, of course, accomplished many things in the field of balistics. Our condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Nancy and Sandy Mackenzie
