Enlisted
Whall, Franklyn (Frank) Albert
Crewmember Status: Deceased
16/May/1923 – 30/Apr/2018
Gunner’s Mate 2nd Class, USN
Enlisted: Boston, MA
Boot Camp: Newport Rhode Island
Battle Station while aboard DD 803: #41 and #42 40mm
Discharged: , Boston, MA
Newspaper Article #1:
My favorite memories of serving on the DD 803. I had previously served Almost 3 years aboard the U.S.S. North Carolina BB 55 so i was in heaven when i went aboard the Little.
What I remember about the day the DD 803 sank. The cool and calm way everybody went about their duties
Military timeline (service history)
December 1940
August 28, 1945
U.S. Naval Air Sta. Squantum Ma.
Naval Repair Sta. San Diego Ca.
U.S.S. North Carolina Plank Owner
WHALL, Franklyn Albert 94, of Norfolk, passed unexpectedly at home, on April 30th, 2018. Born in Boston on May 16th, 1923, he was the son of the late Catherine Coulter. Frank joined the Navy during World War II after completing his junior year of high school, but later received his high school diploma in 1999 in a ceremony conducted by Senator John Kerry. He enjoyed his dogs, traveling in particular to his Naval reunions and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Frank shared a loving marriage of 70 years with his late wife Edith. He is survived by his six children, Kathi Haberstroh and her husband Phil of Rehoboth, Debby Lawrence and her husband John of Norfolk, Mari Ford and her husband Kevin of Franklin, Frank Whall and his wife Patty of Roslindale, Brian Whall and his wife Martha of Bloomington, CA, and Tim Whall and his wife Maryellen of Foxboro, 18 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Theresa Fulchino of West Roxbury.
Frank served in the Navy in World War II aboard the USS North Carolina and later on the naval destroyer, USS Little 803. He earned numerous battle stars and commendations. He survived the kamikaze sinking of the USS Little off of Okinawa. Frank remained active in naval reunions and took pride in his service to our country. He was a true American Hero.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Thursday, May 3rd, 2018 from 3-7 PM in the RJ Ross Funeral Home, 135 South Street, WRENTHAM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 4th at 11:30 AM in St. Jude Church, 86 Main Street, Norfolk. Burial to follow in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Tin Can Sailors, PO Box 100 Somerset, MA 02726. Online guestbook may be found at rjrossfuneralhomeinc.com.
Published in The Boston Globe on May 2, 2018