BIRD, Frank R. (1920-1942)

BIRD, KANE, CHRISINGER

Posted By: Elaine Harrington (email)
Date: 10/13/2006 at 10:16:37

GLENWOOD OPINION TRIBUNE
DATED NOVEMBER 1942:

First Co. I Boy to Die in Africa

Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Bird of Glenwood received a letter last Friday from Captain Steven Kane, Army Chaplain, telling of the death of their son, Private Frank Bird, who was fatally injured on the day of the attack upon the surrender of Algiers which is known to have occurred in the latter part of November, although no exact dates are revealed in the letter.

A letter arrived Wednesday from the Army Department in Washington, D. C., confirming the Chaplains letter and stating that Frank died Sunday, November 8, 1942 in a hospital in Algiers.

The name of he cemetery and grave number in which the body was laid to rest is sent the family Chaplain, who pays high tribute to Frank, both as a man and a soldier.

He stated in his letter how in the several days in which he laid in the hospital after having been fatally wounded, he expressed realization of his condition and was reconciled by the fact that he had discharged his duties in a faithful manner. “We, who knew Frank, miss him keenly,” the Chaplain said.

Frank is the first boy who left here with Company I, to be called upon to make his supreme sacrifice in this great conflict. He had transferred from the Company in October and was serving with the commandos at the time of his death.

Born March 4, 1920, in Glenwood, Frank was 22 years old at the time of his death. He attended Glenwood schools and had been associated with his fathers working in this community until he left with the company in February of 1941, for Claiborne, La.

On August 1st, of that year he and Miss Edith Chrisinger formerly of this city, but who in recent years has resided in Chicago, were married at Camp Claiborne. He went with the Company to Camp Dix, New Jersey that fall and sailed with them last spring for Ireland, remaining with the Company until his transfer to the Commandos last fall.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Bird; his wife, Mrs. Edith Bird; one sister Mrs. Alice Baucom of Vallejo, California; and three brothers, Arthur and Murl of Glenwood and Pfc. Elvin Bird of Nashville, Indiana.

Other information not included
in the obituary:

Frank Bird was awarded the Purple Heart decoration, posthumously. He is buried in the East Liberty Cemetery, Mills County, Iowa in Section 3, Row 2.