LCpl Phillip E. Frank

We Honor and Remember:

LCpl Phillip E. Frank
Hometown: Cliffwood Beach, NJ/ Elk Grove, IL
Age: 20
Died: April 8, 2004 in Operation Iraqi Freedom
Branch/Unit: Marines, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, CA

Birth: Jul. 5, 1983, Cliffwood Beach, Monmouth County, NJ

Lance Cpl. Phillip E. Frank was inspired to enlist after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He was a young man dedicated to his country's cause overseas. His commitment to protecting the nation and preventing further terrorist attacks led him to join the Marines. He knew there were dangerous things going on in the world and he wanted to make it safer for his friends and loved ones.

He was an outgoing, happy, spirited, energetic, young man who was loved by all. He moved to Illinois shortly after his high school graduation in 2002 and lived with his cousins Robin and Gary Van Cleave. Frank enlisted in fall 2002 and entered boot camp in January 2003.

Frank was a recipient of the National Defense Medal and the Purple Heart. Frank was the first Elk Grove soldier to be killed in action since the Vietnam War. Frank was a victim of one of the war's deadliest months. Phil is survived by his parents, a sister among others. He was preceded in death by his uncles Robert Phillips and Ronald Wohltman. He was killed by hostile fire at age 20.

Memorial service in Hazlet honors fallen Marine
Associated Press
HAZLET, N.J. — Phillip E. Frank joined the Marines after watching the second of two planes hit the World Trade Center towers.
It was in that moment the young Aberdeen man saw his destiny, said his father, Roy Frank.
“He was devastated by that experience, and it never left him,” Frank said at his son’s memorial service at St. John’s United Methodist Church.

Others who spoke at the service that attracted about 300 mourners — many of them former classmates and teachers — recalled the 2002 Matawan Regional High School graduate’s bravery and compassion.
“There are many of you here who helped make the man we honor today,” said his mother, Georgette Frank. “You all had a part in this young man’s life.”

Frank moved to Elk Grove, IL, after graduating high school to work for a cousin, but soon turned to the military.
Bryan Burgess was with his childhood friend when they watched the twin towers collapse. He did not expect his friend to become a soldier.
“It was a moment that affected us all, but I was shocked with how it affected Phil. Now it all makes sense to me, because he was always trying to help other people,” Burgess said.
Frank was buried in Des Plaines, IL, on April 17.

On October 20,2012, the Township of Aberdeen held a dedication ceremony unveiling the street sign:
LCPL PHILLIP E FRANK WAY.