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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly June 2003
Philip J. Frank '46
No. 16078 * 9 Dec 1924 - 25 Apr 2002
Died at New York, New York * Cremated, Ashes at Dudley, MA |
Phil Frank was a New Yorker through and through.
He was born and raised there and graduated from Horace Mann High
School. He attended Columbia University before gaining his appointment
to West Point. He joined the Class of 1946 on the banks of the
Hudson on 1 July 1943.
Although Phil had his problems with the Tactical department,
he managed the other aspects of cadet life well. He was active
in Cadet Activities; the Howitzer Staff, the Skeet Club and others.
At graduation, Phil became a second lieutenant in the Infantry.
While attending the Infantry Officer's Basic Course at Fort Benning,
GA, Phil married Shirley Somerville on 9 April 1947. From Fort
Benning, Phil was assigned to Occupation duty in Korea. He was
reassigned to the 11th Airborne Division in Japan and returned
with the 11th to Fort Campbell, KY. When the Korean War broke
out, Phil was assigned to the 31st Infantry, 7th Infantry Division
where he commanded B Company in combat in the IX Corps area.
Phil always said that his duty with B Company in Korea was the
highlight of his career. Back to the States, Phil attended the
Infantry Advanced Course before being assigned to ROTC duty at
Clarkson College, Potsdam, NY. In 1959, the Franks went to France
where Phil was assigned to the Theater Army Support Command in
Verdun. Phil decided to leave the Army in 1961 to enter civilian
life.
Phil started with Bache & Co. as a stockbroker in Paris working
the European and American markets. In the early 1970s, he moved
to DuPont Glore Forgan. He remained active in the Reserves rising
to the rank of Colonel in the Reserves and filling mobilization
assignments in J-3 EVCOM and instructing in the C&GS Department
of a USAR School. He also became a part time student at the Sorbonne.
In 1974, the firm he was with failed and his marriage was dissolved.
Phil looked for interesting and rewarding work in the Middle
East. Although he found nothing rewarding job wise, he had many
adventures. One that he often recalled was in Afghanistan where
he criss crossed the country on horseback, truck and jeep, climbing
mountains to remote lakes and visiting giant Buddhas from a previous
age (the same ones destroyed by the Taliban).
Phil returned to New York, once again a stockbroker specializing
in options and junk bonds. He became active with the 77th Infantry
Division (RTU) from which he retired as Assistant Division Commander.
It was through the Reserves that Phil met and joined two friends
in getting a vineyard-winery going in Litchfield, CT (Haight
Vineyards). Even though retired from the Reserves, Phil remained
active in CIOR (Congress Interallie Officer de Reserve, the NATO
reserve officers organization.) This organization met each summer
in a different country. He also participated in quasi-military
organizations such as Veterans Corps of Artillery, Squadron "A"
Association, etc.
In addition to his association with military related organizations,
Phil was very active in other activities. With a friend he met
in Paris, Phil helped run the Sakier Foundation primarily devoted
to Modern Art. In 1988, Phil met and married a Brazilian lady,
Leylah de Silva in New York City. Ever since his participation
in the 100th Night Production as a cadet, Phil had a great interest
in Gilbert and Sullivan and became a supporter of the "Gilbert
and Sullivan Theater" in NYC. He was active with a number
of museums and was involved with Alzheimer's research since his
mother suffered from this in her later years. Phil was active
in the NY West Point Society and Admissions.
Phil Frank died 25 April 2002 from cancer. Survivors include
his wife, Leylah; sons, Gerry, Robert and David and three grand
children.
Phil Frank was proud of his West Point heritage and integrated
its ideals of Duty, Honor, Country into his everyday life. He
is remembered with love and affection by all who knew him. His
son, Gerry, recalled: "He strongly believed that each one
of us has a strong responsibility not only to our country, but
also to our families and communities. He certainly believed that
each one of us should have a strong commitment to social and
civil service, whether it be through community service and/ or
supporting local charities, whether they be art organizations
or political and social service agencies.
Son David recalled: "My father always wanted to help those
in need. He was there to give advice and support as best he could.
His generosity extended to those who showed a genuine need and
determination to better themselves with the help he could provide."
His other son, Robert, always helped his father with his financial
affairs and remembered him with great love and affection.
In his living will addressed to his family, Phil said, 'I would
define life as an opportunity given by God to serve others and
partake in the bounties of this world. Conversely, an existence
without the ability to enjoy life or to be of value to others
does not meet the standards of life, as I know it.' Phil enjoyed
life most when he was of value to others, and was of value to
others when he was enjoying life and sharing these moments with
his family and friends. He ended his living will with: 'My life
has on balance been a wonderful voyage with memories and experiences
of kindness, generosities, beauty, exhileration, adventure and
learning in accomplishments and sometimes even in defeats. Again,
most of all, thank you all for allowing me to love you.' To this,
his loving wife, Leylah, along with his children, say: 'thank
you Phil, for allowing us to love you!'"
To these words of love and devotion, the Class of 1946 is proud
to add those simple words from the Alma Mater, "Well Done,
Phil; Be Thou At Peace."
'46 Memorial Article Project and his family
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