Frank A. Banks was born in 1917 to John and Mabel Banks. As a child he lived in Indianapolis, Indiana. In January 1936, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was a Mess Attendant 3rd class on the U.S.S. Arizona when the ship crossed the equator in May of that year. During 1942, he participated in the Battle of Midway and the Guadalcanal Area campaign. Banks' ship, the U.S.S. Pensacola was torpedoed during a night surface engagement off Tassafaronga on November 29, 1942. The ship suffered massive damage and a fire. Banks' body was not recovered. He was declared dead on December 1, 1943. The Purple Heart of Frank Andrew Banks, Officer's Steward 3c, USN was sent, posthumously, to his mother, Mable Banks.
From the description of Frank A. Banks collection, 1936-1943. (Indiana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 213373063
