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Topic: Mr. Joe Frank of PT-505 receives overdue medals |
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David Waples
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Posted on: Oct 8, 2012 - 7:50pm
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Greetings all,
Today I had the honor of attending a medal ceremony for Mr. Joe Frank who serviced in both European and Pacific theaters on PT Boats during WWII. Mr. Frank and his family were very kind to allow me to be there today. I also had the honor of sharing with him my "Rescue of PT-505" diorama.
Some serious Karma going on around the VA retirement home today. Denny White who works there and introduced the story of PT-505 to me gave me visitor badge 505 and the ceremony was held in room 109.
Today Mr. Frank received 5 medals for his service and here are the photos from the ceremony.
Leading the presenters was retired Brig. General Sal Villano who is chairman of Forgotten Heroes Campaign, a group that researches service awards and arranges presentations. Shown are some of the awards.
General Villano pinning one of the medals on Mr. Frank
General Villano having Mr. Frank's grandson pin the last medal. Very nice gesture I thought.
Mr. Frank made a very eloquent speech after receiving his awards. He was very grateful. With all the medals Mr. Frank said he didn't think his shoulders were broad enough to which the General replied that his shoulders were plenty broad enough. Truer words were never spoken.
Mr. Frank and his family posing for pictures at the end of the ceremony.
Denny White who works at the VA and who adopted Mr. Frank. Denny put together a very nice notebook about the 505 book and also made Mr. Frank a nice 1/72 PT boat for his room.
Finally yours truly kneeling with Mr. Frank and sharing with him the diorama depicting his experience in the days following D-Day. The diorama will be on display in the VA display case and will remain there for the duration so that Mr. Frank can share the story with his friends.
Mr. Frank is a very funny man and I really enjoyed some of the more serious moments we shared today. I hope you enjoyed the photos. Mr. Frank's daughter brought in some of Mr. Frank's photos that I asked to be imaged and which I hope Denny and I can share with you soon. Amazing stuff. We saw photos of things we've never seen on PT Boats before.
Dave
David Waples |
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Jerry Gilmartin |
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Oct 8, 2012 - 9:50pm
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Truly awesome David! Thanks for sharing the photos. Thanks also for doing your part to honor Mr Franks! I bet you would have made an excellent PT Boat crewman! Tell Mr Franks congratulations from all of us here on the PT 658 and thank him for his service to our great nation! Sincerely,
Jerry Gilmartin PT658 Portland
Jerry Gilmartin |
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Will Day
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Posted on: Oct 8, 2012 - 10:02pm
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Bravo Zulu, David.......
Will |
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PeterTareBuilder
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Posted on: Oct 9, 2012 - 12:28am
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Nice to hear that a veteran is receiving his awards and the recognition he deserves before going on the last patrol. What's even nicer is that Mr. Frank has his faculties still and is able to enjoy the recognition.
Congratulations to you and all the others who made this possible for Mr. Frank.
Cheers
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Frank J Andruss Sr
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Posted on: Oct 9, 2012 - 1:44am
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Dave, I think it's great that you took the time to be there for this very special day. I am sure Mr. Frank was overwhelmed by the experience of the day. It warms my heart to see yet another WWII PT BOAT VETERAN get his recognition for what he did during the war. Thanks you so much for sharing these touching photo's with us.............
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TED WALTHER
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Posted on: Oct 9, 2012 - 5:51am
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Dave;
OUTSTANDING!!!! I am so glad you and your diorama could be there on Mr. Frank's special day. I can't wait to see Mr. Frank's photos Denny might post.
Take care,
TED
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David Waples
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Posted on: Oct 9, 2012 - 6:02am
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Thanks for the comments guys. It was fun to build the diorama and share it with Mr. Frank and all of you. The person who deserves the credit is Denny. He works with Mr. Frank every day and they've become great friends. Mr. Frank is very proud of his PT service and Denny has done a lot to gather Mr. Frank's records and history and organize it all for Mr. Frank and his friends and family to enjoy. Great work Denny!
Dave
David Waples |
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TED WALTHER
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Posted on: Oct 9, 2012 - 7:26am
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David;
Yes you are right.
Denny;
Bravo Zulu to you for your continuing support of Mr. Frank If it had not been for you Mr.Frank, might never have been brought to our attention here at the Messageboard, and if not for your efforts in organizing his records, Mr Frank might not have recieved the medals he was awarded 67 years ago. Thank You for being you, a dedicated and caring American.
Take care,
TED
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Drew Cook
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Posted on: Oct 9, 2012 - 7:38am
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That is just great, Dave!
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David Waples
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Posted on: Oct 9, 2012 - 7:25pm
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Thanks for the comments guys. It was fun to build the diorama and share it with Mr. Frank and all of you. The person who deserves the credit is Denny. He works with Mr. Frank every day and they've become great friends. Mr. Frank is very proud of his PT service and Denny has done a lot to gather Mr. Frank's records and history and organize it all for Mr. Frank and his friends and family to enjoy. Great work Denny!
Dave
David Waples |
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