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Frank Moulton Memorials
Daryl James is the Commander of AMVETS Post 66 in Palm Springs, California. He was instrumental in having this post named in honor of Frank Moulton, who was, as far as we know, the only member of the Glenbard Class of 1944 to be killed in World War II. Daryl wrote an essay on Frank that was published in a previous edition of the Newsletter. It can still be found here.
As part of the dedication of the Post, Chuck Schoen wrote an article in which he refers to Daryl's essay, and adds information on Frank's military service. Some excerpts from that article follow:
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"After Frank's initial training he shipped out to the Pacific and was assigned to Company I of the 158th Regimental Combat Team, known as the Bushmasters. The Bushmasters, as a National Guard Unit, spent more time in combat zones than any other National Guard Unit. The 158th was the first army unit to be trained in jungle warfare. Although Frank only served in the Philippines, the 158th traveled to Panama, to Australia, to New Guinea, to New Britain, to the Philippines, to Japan.
"The BUSHMASTERS record and achievements are described by the special accolades of General Douglas MacArthur:
'YOU ARE BRAVE HEROES! YOU ARE AMONG THE BRAVEST OF THE BRAVE! IN EVERY BATTLE, YOU HAVE DEFEATED THE JAPANESE WHO HAD NEVER BEEN DEFEATED IN MODERN HISTORY. I AM PROUD TO SAY----NO GREATER FIGHTING COMBAT TEAM THAN THE 158TH REGIMENTAL COMBAT TEAM HAS EVER DEPLOYED FOR BATTLE. IT IS MY PLEASURE TO SALUTE YOU, BUSHMASTERS, FOR A JOB WELL DONE AND TO WISH YOU WELL IN YOUR CURRENT ACTIVITIES.'
"Frank did not hear his Commanding General's praise, but it included him. He joined the 158th RCT in February of 1945 at Tarloc, Luzon, as a replacement due to heavy losses in the landing on Luzon. He went on with the regiment as they fought their way across Luzon via Batangas to eventually land at Legaspi, Philippines. Frank was killed in action at Legaspi on 22 April 1945, receiving the Bronze Star for his bravery.
"Frank is buried in the Manila American Cemetery, Republic of the Philippines. The site is maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission.
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Frank's Medals
(L to R)
Bronze Star
Purple Heart
Asiatic-Pacific Medal -- one star
World War II Victory Medal
Philippine Liberation Medal -- one star
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"We are proud to have honored Frank as our namesake. He represents the over one quarter of a million teenagers who gave their lives for America during World War II. As most of us were teenagers during our service we should note the extensive sacrifice of teenagers in all wars.
We respect and honor Frank for the hero he was. When we pledge allegiance to the flag we believe as Frank did, that it stands for 'Liberty and Justice for ALL,' not for some."
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Here are some pictures Jeanette Weinbauer McNulty took of the memorial in Wheaton for DuPage County veterans killed in WWII. Franks's name is marked.
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