Frank Bittner - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

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World War 2

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the World War 2.

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 Navy LT World War 2 - Korea - Vietnam Francis “Frank” Erickson was born on 24 Oct 1926, joined the Navy on May 44, and served till July 1973. Frank served for 29 years, rising from Seaman Apprentice to Lieutenant. All in Navy administration. He served for 17 years in the Enlisted ranks and 12 years as a Commissioned Officer. Frank joined just before his 18th birthday in Minneapolis, MN, and went to Bootcamp for six weeks at Farragut Idaho Naval Training Center. Frank’s first active duty assignment was with the Mobile Construction Battalion maintenance unit 621, assigned to the Admiralty Islands from October 1944 until 1945. Franks unit maintained the hospital on the island built to handle wounded service members in the Pacific campaign and the floating dry dock used for ship repairs. Frank and the unit were demobilized back to Pt Magu CA, after the war. Yeoman Third Class Bittner continued to serve after the war and was then assigned to the pre-com unit for the USS Philippine Sea (CV-47). He and the ship deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, visiting Italy, and he remembers seeing the Vatican and its opulence. Frank served as Classification Personnel men in San Diego and Great Lakes Training centers. Frank was selected as a Chief Petty Officer in June 1953. Ens Frank Bittner was commissioned in June 1960 while attached to the Recruiting Center (MEPS) in Minneapolis, MN. Lieutenant Bittner served until July 1973, retiring from the Development Training Center on 32nd Street Naval Station San Diego, CA, after 29 years of service.
Veteran,NIK,WW2
Frank Bittner - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
US Navy LT World War 2 - Korea - Vietnam Francis “Frank” Erickson was born on 24 Oct 1926, joined the Navy on May 44, and served till July 1973. Frank served for 29 years, rising from Seaman Apprentice to Lieutenant. All in Navy administration. He served for 17 years in the Enlisted ranks and 12 years as a Commissioned Officer. Frank joined just before his 18th birthday in Minneapolis, MN, and went to Bootcamp for six weeks at Farragut Idaho Naval Training Center. Frank’s first active duty assignment was with the Mobile Construction Battalion maintenance unit 621, assigned to the Admiralty Islands from October 1944 until 1945. Franks unit maintained the hospital on the island built to handle wounded service members in the Pacific campaign and the floating dry dock used for ship repairs. Frank and the unit were demobilized back to Pt Magu CA, after the war. Yeoman Third Class Bittner continued to serve after the war and was then assigned to the pre-com unit for the USS Philippine Sea (CV-47). He and the ship deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, visiting Italy, and he remembers seeing the Vatican and its opulence. Frank served as Classification Personnel men in San Diego and Great Lakes Training centers. Frank was selected as a Chief Petty Officer in June 1953. Ens Frank Bittner was commissioned in June 1960 while attached to the Recruiting Center (MEPS) in Minneapolis, MN. Lieutenant Bittner served until July 1973, retiring from the Development Training Center on 32nd Street Naval Station San Diego, CA, after 29 years of service.