Frank, William

Michelle Kukan

1917-11-15

Hillburn, NY

1945-01-08

Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, Netherlands

Plasterer (Thomas H May & Son)

Technician Fourth Grade

32908881

1943-05-17

1945-01-08

Purple Heart

William Frank entered service from New York and served with the 104th Infantry Division, 414th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army. Throughout his time in service, Frank achieved the rank of Technician Fourth Class as a non-commissioned officer. Tec 4’s were typically addressed as Sergeant. Technicians typically have specialized skills that can be directly related to combat, such as tank driver, or related support functions, such as mechanic. The 104th Infantry Division was attached to the 414th Infantry Regiment from 1945-04-12 to 1945-04-22. The 104th Infantry Division fought in the European Theater in France, Netherlands, Belgium, and western Germany. The 414th Infantry Division fought in Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Frank was killed in action on 1945-01-08 west of the Roer River, Düren-Merken, Germany. He was 27.

William Frank was born to Anthony and Theresa Frank on 1917-11-15 in Hillburn, NY. The Franks also had one older daughter, Frances. Theresa remarried Michael Adduce. In addition to Frances and William, the couple had eleven other children: Joseph, Francis, Florence, Michael Jr., Anthony, Rosemarie, John, Alfred, and Richard. These eleven children were Frank’s half-siblings. The family lived in Ramapo, NY. Frank completed a grammar school level of education. William Frank married Stella A. Miedler of Mahwah 1940-08-24 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Mahwah. As a plasterer, Frank was employed at Thomas H. Frank and Son, and lived with his wife in Mahwah. He enlisted into the Army 1943-05-17. His grave is located at the Netherlands American Cemetery, Plot F, Row 7, Grave 22. Frank Court in Mahwah, NJ is named after him.

Father: Anthony Frank
Mother: Theresa

Sister:
Frances
Mary

Step-Father: Michael Adduce

Half-Siblings:
Joseph
Francis
Florence
Michael Jr.
Anthony
Rosemarie
John
Alfred
Richard

Wife: Stella (née Mielder)

Photo 1: Close-up of Frank from the picture of Stella and himself, place and date unknown (Fields of Honor Database).

Photo 2: William Frank (right) with his wife, Stella (left), place and date unknown (Fields of Honor Database). 

Photo 3: Frank's draft card, completed 1940-10-16 in Hillburn, NY (Ancestry Library).

Photo 4: Frank's headstone in Netherlands American Cemetery, date of photo unknown (Find a Grave).

Photo 5: Headstone Inscription and Interment Record for Frank, sent to his widow, Stella, place and date it was completed is unknown (Ancestry Library).