Frank D. Jonas was born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 21, 1899, the son of Richard A. and Adaline Jonas. He had six siblings: Ruth, Elsie, Richard, Robert, Arlene, and Edward. In February 1918, he enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Slocum, New York, and he joined Company B of the 65th Engineers Regiment at Camp Upton, New York, in early March. In late March 1918, he became a member of Company B, 326th Tank Corps. He trained at Camp Colt and Camp Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, and was sent overseas in September 1918. He served in England and in Bourg and St. Laurent, France, and returned home in the spring of 1919. His brothers Richard and Robert also served in the United States military during World War I. Frank D. Jonas lived in southeastern New York until his death in August 1978.
From the guide to the Frank D. Jonas letters, 1918-1919, (William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan)
