Petty Officer 1st Class Frank J. King

Brick location number

K-7-16

Branch of service

Navy

Dates of service

1944 - 1964

Location(s) of service and/or conflicts

World War II - Saipan, Tinian, Peleliu, Leyte, Luzon, Iwo Jima

Medals earned

WWII American Campaign Medal; WWII Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal; WWII Victory Medal; Navy Occupation Service Medal; National Defense Medal; Philippine Presidential Unit Citation; Philippine Liberation Medal

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Reflections on this veteran's military service

Submitted by Kyle King

Frank joined the Navy in 1943 and attended bootcamp in San Diego followed by training in landing craft operations. He was assigned to the USS John Land and departed for the South Pacific in the spring of 1944. Frank served as a landing craft operator aboard a Higgins boat and transported Marines, soldiers, and supplies ashore during several amphibious invasions. Following the war he remained in the Navy as an electrician, retiring in 1964. In 1964 he began work at McDonnell Douglas’ Long Beach plan as an electrician and retired again in 1984. Lakewood served as the perfect location to raise a family and Frank did just that. He was a resident of Lakewood for over 45 years.

Frank King moved to Lakewood with his family in 1964 following his retirement from the Navy and resided there until 2008. He was a dedicated resident of the Lakewood community, a member of American Legion Post 496, and attended Lakewood’s Memorial Day ceremony every year. 

(Posted 2016)