Email Received from Jean Yost on 18 June 2014:
Re: Death of Frank Trautman, Member of Ewings Chapter SAR dual member of the Marietta Chapter Sons of the American Revolution.
I just received word via Howard Wolfe and Frank’s son Michael that Frank died Monday evening at his home in Indiana. Details to follow. Frank moved a couple years ago to be closer to family, but drove back to Ohio to all special events and the annual Christmas Luncheon. Frank was a true friend and Patriot.
On August 9, 2007, the Marietta Chapter Sons of the American Revolution presented Dual Member Frank Stone Trautman with the NSSAR War Medal for his service in WWII. The information below was read at the ceremony at Fort Boreman Park.
NSSAR WAR MEDAL
FRANK STONE TRAUTMAN, JR. in 1922 was born in Belpre, Ohio, in the home of his ancestor, Revolutionary War Patriot, Capt. Jonathan Stone.
FRANK TRAUTMAN’S early life was surrounded by Patriots who had served our country well. Frank grew up in Belpre, attended Belpre High School, and was a member of the Little Kanawha Chapter of the Children of the American Revolution. Frank attended Ohio University from 1941 to 1943, and was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. He was called to active duty at Fort Hayes, Columbus, Ohio, assigned to a heavy weapons battalion, then sent to Camp Wheeler in Macon, Ga., initially assigned to Specialized Training at Alabama Polytechnic. The need for replacements in WWII Europe cancelled this program and he was assigned to Co. D, 422 Infantry, of the 106th Infantry Division. His unit was transported to Scotland and then on to Southampton, England, then across the English Channel to LaHarve, France.
FRANK TRAUTMAN, Pfc. and the 106th Infantry were placed into the combat line on Dec. 11, 1944. The Battle of the Bulge began on Dec. 16th. The 422nd and the 423rd were rapidly overwhelmed during the battle and were forced to surrender. On Dec. 19th Frank Trautman was a POW. Shortly after Christmas, he was in BAD ORB PRISON CAMP. Due the conditions of the camp, Frank suffered from frostbite and starvation.
FRANK TRAUTMAN wrote on Easter Day 1945: “Dear Family, I am one of the happiest persons alive…….EASTER WE WERE LIBERATED AND RETURNED TO OUR OWN FORCES. Georgie Patton finally came through and set us FREE. I have prayed every night for that to happen…….Tell Grandmother Engle and Grandmother Trautman I can hardly wait till I can visit them again…………Love Frank Stone”
To this end, Frank was liberated and free, 73 pounds lighter than at Christmas, but onwards to home.
Frank graduated Marietta College with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. While in college he fell in love, got married and latter raised three fine children. Most of Frank’s career, he has been a teacher of math and science in Northern Ohio. Our review of Frank’s life, finds him active in his community and a true Patriot.
Meritorious Service Award
In recognition of the notable services in behalf of our American Principles, Frank Stone Trautman Jr., a member of the Little Kanawha Chapter of the Children of the American Revolution and the Marietta and Ewing Chapters of Sons of the American Revolution since 1937 has actively and fully demonstrated meritorious service to the Sons of the American Revolution.
Frank Trautman, in his own right, is a true Patriot, one who has given much sacrifice to our American freedom. Frank Trautman, who like his Patriot ancestor, Capt. Jonathan Stone, knows firsthand that freedom, is not free.
Frank Trautman served us all well in WWII as a private in the U.S. Army. He is a 61 year member of the Belpre Masonic Lodge, and a past Worshipful Master.
Frank Trautman has been very active in the Sons of Union Veterans, the Belpre Historical Society, Belpre Alumni Association Belpre Congregational Church, and many other civic groups in the area.
Frank Trautman is a true Ambassador of the American Revolution, with 70 years of taking the message to all who are near.
It is with great pleasure and gratitude that we present the Meritorious Service Award to Frank Trautman
Presented at the Marietta Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution annual picnic, August 9th, 2007, Fort Boreman Park, Parkersburg, WV by Jean Yost President; James H. Lochary, Southeast District Chairman OHSSAR,(Past State President: OHSSAR); and Roy Fluharty, Sec./Treas. and Past President of the Marietta Chapter
In attendance: members of the Marietta Chapter Sons of the American Revolution, Ewing Chapter SAR, Marietta Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, Capt. James Neal Chapter SAR, Elizabeth Rector Buell Tent 19 Daughters of Union Veterans, General Benjamin Fearing Camp # 2 Sons of Union Veterans and Fort Boreman Commissioner Bob Enoch.