WW2 Fallen - Bronze Star hero Frank Calhoon, 3rd Chemical Warfare Service and his brother Ned

Brothers Frank and Ned Calhoon both served in WW2 and both did not make it home.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/32469486/frank-l.-calhoonhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/32469512/ned-o.-calhoon

Frank Lee Calhoon never had a chance to reach 100 years old today. Instead, he sacrificed his life for our freedom.


Frank was born on November 27, 1918 in Chicago, Illinois. His parents Frank and Katherine were born in Illinois and Germany, respectively. His father worked as a chauffer and farm laborer. Frank had two older brothers, five younger brothers, and four younger sisters. By 1940, Frank had completed eight years of school and was working as a hired hand in Keener, Indiana.


Frank enlisted in the US Army on February 4, 1942. He served as a private first class in Company B of the 3rd Chemical Warfare Service. Upon the US entry into World War II, the War Department was concerned that the Axis powers had invested in chemical and biological weapons programs, while the US military was unprepared for such a conflict. In early 1942, General George Marshall ordered the activation of chemical battalions and development of toxic warfare gases, however these weapons were never used in combat. While chemical warfare did not come about, the US Chemical Warfare Service employed its mortar companies, smoke generator companies, field laboratories, and decontamination companies in every theater. 

PFC Calhoon evidently suffered a head wound in combat at some point and was convalescing in a hospital in Louisville, Kentucky where he died from his wounds on May 30, 1945. His gravestone indicates that he was awarded the Bronze Star, but I can’t find any record of the circumstances. 

Frank’s younger brother Ned served as a corporal in the 317th Infantry Regiment of the 80^th Infantry Division and was killed December 26, 1944 likely during the Battle of the Bulge.


Frank Lee Calhoon and his brother Ned are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Walkerton, Indiana. Thank you Frank for your sacrifice. Let's Earn It for Frank.
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This profile was written by Bob Fuerst. "I’m a NASA engineer, B-17 Flying Fortress enthusiast, and amateur genealogist so this kind of research is an ideal outlet for me. But more than anything, it’s a way to express my sincere appreciation for The Greatest Generation and the sacrifices that they made, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice. They should never be forgotten and I’m grateful to Don for allowing me to play a small part in honoring them."


Last year on this date I profiled Bernard Bova of the 27th Infantry Division. You can read about Bernard here.


On behalf of the fallen, if you would like to see more people become aware of this project to honor the WW2 fallen, be sure to share with others on Twitter, Facebook, etc. Thanks for your interest!


I created this video to explain why I started this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXt8QA481lY.


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WW2 Fallen 100 is supported by

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