World War II Honoree

Frank Banashley

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Whiteriver, Arizona

Honored By

Orville L. Kline

Rank: Private First Class. On February 19, 1941, he entered the United States Army as a member of the 158th Infantry ‘Bushmasters’ Regiment. The regiment was a subordinate unit of the 45th Infantry ‘Thunderbird’ Division, Arizona National Guard. His boot camp training took place at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, later transferred to Camp Barkeley, Texas for his combat infantry training. Served in Company-M as a Rifleman, Third Battalion, attached to the U.S. Sixth Army. His regiment was part of the vast armada that participated in the invasion of the Lingayen Gulf, Philippine Islands. Killed in action Thursday, January, 11, 1945, and buried in the United States Armed Forces Cemetery, Santa Barbara #1 Philippine Islands. After the cessation of hostilities with Japan, the family of this Soldier received his remains for burial. He was laid to rest at the Whiteriver Cemetery in Whiteriver, Arizona. This American Patriot, a Native Indian citizen, a descendant of the White Mountain Apache Tribe was awarded the Purple Heart posthumously, for his ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country.