Introduction
Frank Nicias Mitchell (August 18, 1921 – November 26, 1950) was an American combat Marine and first lieutenant who served in World War II and the Korean War. He posthumously received the United States' highest military decoration for valor, the Medal of Honor, for his actions on November 26, 1950 in Korea.
Biography
Frank Mitchell was born on August 18, 1921 in Indian Gap, Texas, and was a 1938 graduate of Roaring Springs High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1939, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1945, following World War II service aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise at Wake Island, additional service in the Marshall Islands, and occupation duty in China. He was also attached to Fleet Marine Force Pacific as a member of its rifle and pistol team.
He attended Colorado College under the Navy V-12 program, and also attended Southwestern University and North Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College. He played varsity football in college for two years.
During the Korean War, First Lieutenant Mitchell was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines when he displayed extraordinary heroism in waging a single-handed battle against the enemy on November 26, 1950, near Hansan-ni, to cover the withdrawal of wounded Marines, despite multiple wounds to himself. For this action in which he sacrificed his own life to save the lives of his fellow wounded, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His body was never recovered.
The Medal of Honor was presented August 6, 1952 to Mitchell's widow and daughter by Lieutenant Colonel Henry D. Strunk, the acting director of the 6th Marine Corps Reserve District, at their home in Atlanta, Georgia.
Military decorations and awards
Lt. Mitchell's military awards include:
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| Medal of Honor | |||
| Silver Star | Bronze Star w/ Combat "V" | Purple Heart Medal w/ gold 5/16 inch star | Presidential Unit Citation w/ two bronze service stars |
| Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal w/ bronze service star | China Service Medal | American Defense Service Medal w/ fleet clasp | American Campaign Medal |
| Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal | World War II Victory Medal | Korean Service Medal w/ two bronze service stars | United Nations Service Medal |
Medal of Honor citation
The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pride in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR posthumously to
FIRST LIEUTENANT FRANK N. MITCHELL
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
/S/ HARRY S. TRUMAN
Legacy
The following have been named in honor of 1stLt Mitchell:
- Roaring Spring, Texas has renamed the highway bypass surrounding the town, and built a town park in his honor.
- The Marine Archives building in Washington D.C. is named in his honor.
- The Infantry Officers Course building at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia is named in his honor.