Frank Myer Bashore

West Point, 1951

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by J. A. "Andy" Chacon on November 25, 2011:

Frank Myer Bashore Born August 2, 1929 -- Died November 17, 2011 Frank Myer Bashore was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on 2 August 1929 and was appointed as a Qualified Alternate to West Point. His classmates had this to say about him: "Punchy joined our happy family right from the high school ranks of Lancaster, Pennsylvania where he shone in football, basketball, baseball, and track. After making the transformation to cadet grey in his easy and subduing manner, he soon repeated his previous performances. Besides devoting his time to sports, Punchy always finds a week-end or two to drag `pro' femmes and eat huge gobs of ice cream." (The photo shows Frank and bride Carla Bashore surrounded by classmates and wives.) At West Point Frank went out for Football, Basketball, and Baseball all four years and earned Monograms in each sport. He was a Cadet Sergeant his first class year. On graduation Frank went in the Infantry and after completing the Basic Infantry Course at Fort Benning, Georgia in 1951 reported to the 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Division in Korea where he served from 1952 to 1953. He was decorated with the Silver Star for distinguished gallantry in action, the Bronze Star Medal for distinguished heroism in operations against an enemy, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Next Frank was assigned to Headquarters, Army Garrison, France where he served from 1959 to 1963. From 1963 to 1965 Frank served with the Technical Evaluation Command Group and was awarded the Commendation Medal for distinguished service. In 1966 Frank attended the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. His next assignment was as G2 of the 2nd Division in Korea where he served most of 1967 and was awarded a second Commendation Medal for distinguished service. On return he was assigned to the Army Combat Development Command where he served from 1967 to 1969 and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for conspicuously meritorious performance of duty in a non-combat situation. In 1969 Frank was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group, Republic of Vietnam where he served until 1970 and was decorated with the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services; 4 Bronze Star Medals for distinguished heroism against an enemy, one for valor; 3 Air Medals for meritorious achievement beyond that normally expected, while participating in aerial flight; the Commendation Medal for valor; and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Frank's last military assignment was as Inspector General at Fort Bliss, Texas where he served from 1971 until 1974 when he retired as a Colonel. Frank was recognized for his distinguished service by the presentation of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. On retirement Frank qualified to become a School Teacher and taught in the Albuquerque Public Schools since 1979 where he and his wife Carla made their home. The May 1995 Assembly notes that Frank, now retired from teaching, was visited by Del and Bill Bradley in September.

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