Frank Martin

Birthplace: Ambridge, PA

Branch of Service: Marine Corps

Unit: 1st Battalion, 21st Marines

Theater of Operation: Pacific

Enlisted / Commissioned: Jul 6, 1942

Discharged: Feb 1, 1946

Highest Rank: Platoon Sergeant

Military Honors: Good Conduct Medal

Honored By: Martin Family

Frank Martin was born in Ambridge, PA in 1912 to Joseph and Irma (Chinchilla) Martin. He attended St. Veronica High School, mastering wrestling, baseball, swimming, and other sports. He worked as a Layout Man, Radial Drill Operator, and Rotary Sheer Operator for H.H. Robertson before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1942. After basic training, he was quickly promoted (temporarily) to corporal and sergeant. In these ranks, he would serve as a drill instructor on Parris Island. This was likely due to his athletic abilities and older age. In January 1945, he would join the 21st Marines aboard the USS General M. L. Hersey. He served in the Marianas Area before returning aboard the USS Bunker Hill in January 1946. Frank exited military service that year.

In early 1944, his cousin, PVT John Chinchilla was KIA in Anzio, Italy. On June 6, 1944, his younger brother SSG Lawrence Martin fought on Omaha Beach with the 29th Infantry Division (U.S. Army). Lawrence was KIA in Normandy on June 16, 1944. Lawrence is buried in France, and was posthumously awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and Bronze Star in 2025. In September 1944, his other cousin (John Chinchilla’s brother) 1LT Francis Chinchilla was shot down in his B-25 over Germany. 1LT Chinchilla was captured and executed. The Chinchillas are buried together in Luxembourg. Frank Martin lived the rest of his life in Pennsylvania.