Our walk today was dedicated in honor of:
Army PFC Francis Ernest Drake Jr., Age 20 of Springfield, MA.
KIA Oct. 9, 1942
He is buried in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA.
Memorial Day weekend 2018, Marine Corps PFC Francis Ernest Drake, Jr., 20, killed in World War II, was finally laid to rest – in American soil – with full military honors.
Drake was with his brothers in Chesty Puller’s Charlie Company, 1st Battalion of the 7th Marines (C-1/7) participating as part of the 1st Marine Division in a main offensive action in the “Battle of Guadalcanal”.
It was October 9, 1942, when Francis was killed west of the Matanikau River on Guadalcanal as he attempted to move an injured comrade to the safety of a ridgeline. He was buried at Hill 73, near the ridgeline where he fell along with two other Marines.
From 1947 through 1949, the American Graves Registration Service searched for isolated burials on Guadalcanal but did not associate any remains with PFC Drake. Based on the lack of information, Francis was declared “non-recoverable”.
Left to mourn his passing were his parents and brothers, Walter and Donald. For his bravery and valor, his parents received his Purple Heart and Silver Star.
Drake was with his brothers in Chesty Puller’s Charlie Company, 1st Battalion of the 7th Marines (C-1/7) participating as part of the 1st Marine Division in a main offensive action in the “Battle of Guadalcanal”.
It was October 9, 1942, when Francis was killed west of the Matanikau River on Guadalcanal as he attempted to move an injured comrade to the safety of a ridgeline. He was buried at Hill 73, near the ridgeline where he fell along with two other Marines.
Marine Corps PFC Francis Ernest Drake, Jr. was officially accounted for, as was Harry Morrissey, who’d been buried next to him atop Hill 73.
Francis was the first Marine from Springfield killed in WWII.
Marine Corps PFC Francis Ernest Drake, Jr. was officially accounted for, as was Harry Morrissey, who’d been buried next to him atop Hill 73.
Francis was the first Marine from Springfield killed in WWII.
We had a great 5.35 Mile walk today. We walked up to the War Memorial Park down town and back. The weather was a little cold but beautiful. I want to thank my friend Robert for walking with us. I want to thank all who honked, waved, and saluted in helping me honor this Hero. We had 120 honks this morning. Thank You
Army PFC Francis Ernest Drake Jr will not be forgotten !
