Frank Loftis - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

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Korean War

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the Korean War

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series Go Fund Me.

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.


How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

Copyright © 2024 Mickey Strand – Veterans Series
US Marine Corps SSgt Korean War Frank Loftis was born on June 25, 1932, and raised in Stockton, California, to a migrant family who picked fruit and moved around with the crop. He graduated from Stockton High School in 1949 before enlisting in the US Marine Corps at 17 with what he felt were few prospects or guidance for his future. Frank enlisted at the recruiter's office in San Francisco, California, before taking the Amtrak to San Diego Union Station, where the drill instructors loaded the recruits onto a bus bound for Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD.) Privet First Class Loftis reported to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for 18 weeks of supply administration and management training. He worked in San Fransisco for a time, but with the Korean War breaking out, he received orders to Camp Pendelton, CA, with the 12th Motor Transport Battalion. PFC Loftis boarded a ship bound for Korea with his unit. They transited the Pacific for 11 days before landing in Kobe, Japan, to offload and reload supplies before landing in Korea at Inchon. He served in many locations in Korea during the year and a half he spent there, including The Siege of Wonsan and The Battle of Yongdong, which allowed US forces to build the Pusan Perimeter. Frank also spent time on the line at the Chosin Reservoir, one of the most brutal battles between the UN and Chinese Communist Forces during the Korean War. He remembers the missions to clean up gorilla forces and the bitter winter cold. Frank remembered receiving a 30-day pass of rest and relaxation, or R/R, in Pusan before his return to the United States. Corporal Loftis returned to the United States aboard the USS Lenawee (APA-195). He returned to work in San Francisco in supply management for a year, finishing his enlistment. Frank was promoted to Staff Sergeant on 1 June 1952. After four years of active duty, SSgt Loftis’ service time was completed, and on 19 December 1952, he out-processed and was honorably discharged. Frank was awarded the Korean Defense Service Medal, with six service stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Good Conduct Medal. Frank learned about the GI Bill and attended the University of Berkeley, earning a degree in history and later his teaching credentials. Frank taught History and world civilization for 32 years. After he was discharged from the Corps, he married his wife Joanne, and they had two children, Suzanne and Mark.
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Frank Loftis - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
US Marine Corps SSgt Korean War Frank Loftis was born on June 25, 1932, and raised in Stockton, California, to a migrant family who picked fruit and moved around with the crop. He graduated from Stockton High School in 1949 before enlisting in the US Marine Corps at 17 with what he felt were few prospects or guidance for his future. Frank enlisted at the recruiter's office in San Francisco, California, before taking the Amtrak to San Diego Union Station, where the drill instructors loaded the recruits onto a bus bound for Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD.) Privet First Class Loftis reported to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, for 18 weeks of supply administration and management training. He worked in San Fransisco for a time, but with the Korean War breaking out, he received orders to Camp Pendelton, CA, with the 12th Motor Transport Battalion. PFC Loftis boarded a ship bound for Korea with his unit. They transited the Pacific for 11 days before landing in Kobe, Japan, to offload and reload supplies before landing in Korea at Inchon. He served in many locations in Korea during the year and a half he spent there, including The Siege of Wonsan and The Battle of Yongdong, which allowed US forces to build the Pusan Perimeter. Frank also spent time on the line at the Chosin Reservoir, one of the most brutal battles between the UN and Chinese Communist Forces during the Korean War. He remembers the missions to clean up gorilla forces and the bitter winter cold. Frank remembered receiving a 30-day pass of rest and relaxation, or R/R, in Pusan before his return to the United States. Corporal Loftis returned to the United States aboard the USS Lenawee (APA-195). He returned to work in San Francisco in supply management for a year, finishing his enlistment. Frank was promoted to Staff Sergeant on 1 June 1952. After four years of active duty, SSgt Loftis’ service time was completed, and on 19 December 1952, he out-processed and was honorably discharged. Frank was awarded the Korean Defense Service Medal, with six service stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Good Conduct Medal. Frank learned about the GI Bill and attended the University of Berkeley, earning a degree in history and later his teaching credentials. Frank taught History and world civilization for 32 years. After he was discharged from the Corps, he married his wife Joanne, and they had two children, Suzanne and Mark.