Grew Up In:

Ambridge, PA

Rank, Service:

U.S. Marine Corps, Sergeant

Years Served:

1942-1946

Places Served:

Parris Island (1942-1945), USS General M. L. Hersey (1945), Pacific Theater-Marianas Area (1945-1946), USS Bunker Hill (1946).

Story:

Frank Martin was born on 17 October 1912, in Ambridge, PA. He attended St. Veronica High School, mastering athletics. He worked for H.H. Robertson before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1942. After his basic training, he was quickly temporarily promoted to a platoon sergeant and made a drill instructor. This was likely due to his age and athletic ability. In 1945, he was sent to the Pacific Theater, serving in the Marianas during the island “clean-up” operations. He returned in 1946, leaving military service and living the rest of his life in Ambridge, PA. In 1944, his brother (SSG Lawrence Martin) was killed in Normandy, France. His cousin, PVT John Chinchilla was killed in Italy that year. His other cousin, 1LT Chinchilla was killed in Germany.