Recognizing a veteran’s service

With July 4 having just passed, we think about what America has endured and accomplished, and the people who have served our country. A member of the U.S. Navy during World War II and an Inwood resident, Frank Stark, 93, has fought for the United States.

During W. W. II, after training for combat in Newport, Rhode Island, Stark joined the crew of the Destroyer U.S.S. Bache (DD 470) on board a troop transport to the island of New Guinea, after being shipped to San Francisco.

As a member of the 5’’ gun crew and coxswain of the Captain’s Gig on the Bache, Stark witnessed plenty of action and chaos during the liberation of the Philippine Islands, the invasion of Okinawa and the bombardment of the Japanese Home Islands.

A Kamikaze suicide bomber struck the Bache and many men were killed or wounded while Stark was on board. The ship was on its way to the Brooklyn Navy yard for repairs, sailing through the Panama Canal, however the war ended before the ship arrived in New York and third class Petty Officer Stark was discharged.

Stark was rewarded for his accomplishments and bravery during the war. He received the American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific, Philippine Liberation and the World War II Victory medals.

Stark’s patriotism and experiences have influenced his life. He is an active member of Pfc. John J. Oliveri V.F.W. Post 1582 of Inwood, and he was honored for his service to his country and community as grand marshal of this year’s Inwood Memorial Day Parade.