World War II Honoree

Alvin 'Al' Franks

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Akron, Ohio

Honored By

Tom and Mary Lou Gross

Relationship

Cousins

SERVED AS A COMMUNICATIONS CHIEF. SERVED IN RHINELAND. WAS AWARDED GOOD CONDUCT RIBBON ONE BRONZE SERVICE STAR, EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN RIBBON, AND A LAPEL BUTTON. BAR EXPERT MAY 22, 1942. CARBON EXPERT MAY 28, 1944. SERVED AS A COMMUNICATION CHIEF, SUPERVISED A COMMUNICATION SECTION OF CO. L, 310TH INFANTRY, 78TH DIVISION. SUPERVISED THE LAYING, TESTING, MAINTENANCE, AND RECOVERY OF WIRE WHILE UNDER FIRE FROM ENEMY LINES IN BELGIUM AND GERMANY. DIRECTED TELEPHONE, TELEPHONE SWITCHBOARD, TELEGRAPH, AND RADIO OPERATORS IN RECEIPT AND TRANSMISSION OF CALLS AND MESSAGES. WAS IN CHARGE OF 18 ENLISTED MEN.