Photographed in Columbia, South Carolina in 2019

Frank Francone graduated from high school in June, 1945 and immediately entered the US Army. As a 19-year-old 2nd lieutenant in the 57th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Scouts, Francone was stationed at the notorious Camp O'Donnell prison camp shortly after the end of fighting in World War II.

Francone has been active in supporting the cause of the Philippine Scouts and the Filipino veterans, including the long overdue commendation associated with the Congressional Gold Medal.

“Many families whose veterans were in the Philippines, in the Death March, in the prison camps, on the ‘Hell Ships,’ in guerilla activities, in slave labor camps in Japan are not aware of the commendation available to them as next of Kin. I have given talks to groups hoping to educate them on the sacrifices made for us.”

“I’m interested in having people recognize the contributions the Filipinos made during World War II,” Francone says. “The memory will only be maintained as the story is told to our children and grandchildren. The Congressional gold medal is not the end — it’s the beginning and a vehicle for making our children and grandchildren aware of this history.”

Francone lives in Denver, Colorado. He traveled to Columbia, South Carolina to be present for the Congressional gold medal ceremony honoring his best friend, Paul Fleming.