Name: Frank Edward MONTOYA
Rank / Rating: S1-Seaman First Class
Service #: 565 60 44
DOB: Sep 28, 1926
From: Los Angeles, California
Parents:
Went Aboard: December 21, 1943
Age When Ship Went Down: 18 years, 10 months, 2 days
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Admin
Date Posted:

Seaman First Class Montoya was born September 28, 1926, in Los Angeles, California. He was a senior high school student at the time of his enlistment.

On December 21, 1943, he went aboard USS Indianapolis upon completion of his basic training. He was at sea most of the time but kept his family posted with short, cheerful letters. Home on leave, on June 26, 1945, he left his parent’s home to join the ship at Mare Island, California. After sailing on the ship’s voyage from Mare Island, California to Tinian Island (for a secret mission to deliver the components of the Atomic Bomb that would later be dropped on Hiroshima, Japan); he had a brief reunion with one of his brothers who was serving with the 20th Air Force in Tinian. This meeting took place on July 27, 1945. Frank would lose his life three days later. Recognition of his Naval service includes the American Defense Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Purple Heart and Campaign Ribbons with five battle stars. Frank was 18 years old when he perished at sea. He was the brother of Connie M. Wilson of Burbank, California.