S1c Leroy George Frank,

S1c Leroy George Frank

Two young men from Harrisburg, Arkansas, a town of about 1,200, died on the U.S.S. Arizona in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941.

Leroy George Frank was born April 24, 1916, in Colorado. His mother, Laura Frances Skinner Frank, was a homemaker and his father, Roy Elton Frank, a farmer. The family moved to Poinsett County — Harrisburg is the county seat — by 1930. They lived in the town proper by 1935.

The son enlisted in the Navy on Dec. 16, 1939, and was a seaman first class when he died on Dec. 7, 1941.

John Raymond Terrell was born in Harrisburg on June 5, 1920. His mother, Delphia Duke Terrell, was a homemaker, and his father, Harry William Terrell, was a World War I Army veteran, a house carpenter in 1920, a jailer in 1930, and a bridge carpenter in 1940.

The son graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1938. The spring 1940 Census said he was seeking work but had not had a job for 92 weeks. The father had worked 40 weeks in 1939 for $750 – the equivalent of about $14,500 in 2022 dollars.

Mr. Terrell enlisted in the Navy on Oct. 4, 1940, and was a fireman second class when he died.

Mr. Frank’s younger brother, Robert, served in the Navy in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.


 
 
Sources: Census; Navy muster rolls; grave markers; WWII draft registration card; U.S. Department of Defense.This profile was researched and written on behalf of the U.S.S. Arizona Mall Memorial at the University of Arizona.
 
 
NOTE: If you are a family member related to this crew member of the U.S.S. Arizona, or have additional information, pictures or documents to share about his life or service to our county please contact us through our FAMILY MEMBER SUBMISSION FORM