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Jack Frank

1142nd Engineer Combat Group

originally published 27 September 2017, reprinted and revised 6 June 2024
jack frank American soldier world war 2
Jack Frank, American soldier WWII
Jack Frank was born April 16, 1925. With WWII heavily in progress, he entered the U.S. Army on October 4, 1943 at 18 years of age. He received training as a truck driver and mechanic at Fort Bragg, North Carolina before shipping out overseas.
Jack served with the 1142nd Engineer Combat group as a driver and messenger and was a part of the campaigns in Ardennes, Rhineland, and central Europe. He landed in Normandy following D-Day, in September 1944. His unit spent time in the Netherlands and Belgium where he scouted caves.
Following the surrender of Japan, he was stationed in Okinawa from September 14, 1945 to January 14, 1946. He was discharged on January 24, 1946 at Fort Bragg. After the war, Jack returned to his hometown in Davidson, North Carolina and worked at McLean's Trucking.
Jack Frank left this world for a better one on January 7, 2021, at 95 years of age. We owe a debt of gratitude to Jack and those like him who answered the call to duty at the darkest hour.

Decorations

  • WWII Victory Medal
  • American Theater Service Medal
  • Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal
  • Good Conduct Medal
  • European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, with 3 Bronze Service Stars
  • Medal of Appreciation for the Liberation of the Country of France
  • Bronze Star Medal
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About the Series
To learn from the past, it must be remembered. This patriotic blog series recounts real stories of real heroes from World War II as told by the veterans themselves or immediate family members. Marked by acts of selfless service, may these brave souls never be forgotten. And may we learn from their examples.
NarroWay's founders are patriotic Americans at heart and that patriotism bleeds through the NarroWay cast. Having fathers who served in World War II and the Korean War, love of country was instilled in Rebecca Martin and Yvonne Clark at an early age. Veterans are always welcomed and honored at the NarroWay Theatre. Many shows, such as SAMSON and THE REAL CHRISTMAS STORY, include a patriotic tribute.