BIOGRAPHY:
John Frankovitz was born on 9th december 1920 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania and was killed during fightings in Hagen, Germany on 15th April 1945.
John Frankovitz was the second son in the family Frankovitz. The parents of John were born in former Yugoslavia. In 1907 the immigrated into the United States with their eldest son and settled in McKeesport in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. On 9th December 1920 their second son John was born in MsKeesport and inJune 1925 John's younger brother was born. After Primary School John followes education at Highschool from which he successfully graduates. After Highschool John earns his living as machineworker or blacksmith.
John Frankovitz was called to serve his country and he enlisted on 3rd February 1943 in Erie Conty, Pennsylvania. He probably attended the Engeneer training at Camp Howze in Texas. After his training he was incorporated in the 311de Engineer Combat Battalion, 86th Infantry Division. The 86th infantry Division arrived in France on 3rd March 1945. On 22nd March 1945 the division took over positionsin and around the German town of Badorf. On 6th April the Division participates in the Battle for the Ruhr pocket. Here the 86th Infantry Division captures cities like Attendorn, Lüdenscheid and Hagen.
Only 18 days being at the front there comes the report that John Frankovitz died on a reconnaissence mission near Hagen, germany, on 15th April 1945. John Frankovitz died by a granade shrapnel in the chest.
According the Individual Deceased Personnel File, John Frankovitz was added to the 341st Infantry Regiment, 86th Infantry Division the day before he died. The 341st Infantry Regiment neared the outscirts ofHagen and were ordered to occupy Hagen and clear it of German military.
Before John Frankovitz was finally paid to rest at Margraten, he was buried at Breuna, Germany on 18th April 1945 in Plot E, Row 5, Grave 88. In August 1945 John was reburied at Margraten in Plot OO, Row 5, Grave 113. In October 1948 het received his final resting place on the American Cemetery in Margraten at Plot H, Row 2, Grave 7.
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BRONZE STAR (BSM)
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Rank:
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Technician 4th Grade
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Unit:
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311th Engineer Combat Battalion, 86th Infantry Division
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Awarded on:
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1945
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Action:
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General Order # 37 of 1945 of the 86th Infantry Division:
"Technician Fourth Grade John Frankovitz.33411054, Corps of Engineers Headquarter and Service Company, **** Engineer Combat Battalion, United States Army, for meritorious sevice in connection with military operations against the enemy of the United States in Germany from 27 March 1945 to 15 April 1945."
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Details:
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Awarded Posthumously.
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PURPLE HEART
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Rank:
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Technician 4th Grade
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Unit:
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341st Infantry Regiment, 86th Infantry Division
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Details:
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John was transferred to the 341st Infantry Regiment the day before he died.
Awarded posthumously.
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