World War II Veteran
Francis Preston

Interviewed by:

Joy McCarthy and Chris Pombo

"...whatever I did in my life, I wanted to do the best."

~ Francis W. Preston (9:47)

Francis Preston's Story

Francis William Preston lived through a very dark time in American history and is one of the many heroic veterans who have contributed to making our nation a safer place.

Fran Preston was born on July 18, 1919 in Hartford, Connecticut. As a child, Francis grew up during the Great Depression. Despite the intense economic hardships our country faced, Fran recalls that his family always “ate well” because of his grandfather's grocery business. This business provided food and work experience for Mr. Preston until graduating from High School. However, once graduated work was hard to come by. Fran was forced to live with his mother and father while searching for job opportunities for some time. Eventually, Mr. Preston found work in a small factory which led to a job in Colt’s gun manufacturing plant located in Hartford, Connecticut.

In 1943 Fran finished his work at Colt’s factory when he was called to military service in the Navy’s first draft. Francis Preston is the first in his family to go into the US Navy as well as the first to join any armed forces. At just twenty-three years of age Francis attended Diesel Training School to study and become a diesel engine engineer. Completing training school as rank Fireman I, Mr. Preston continued on his path at Advanced Diesel Training School where he finished as Petty Officer Second Class.

For Francis Preston a regular day on the Pacific began with revelry, then breakfast, and the department work. Department work consisted of operating and fixing diesel engines on the ship along with providing orders for ranks lower than his own. Throughout his time in the Pacific Francis Preston visited many places including Enewetak and Kwajalein islands, where he first experienced battle. In this time of war Fran operated from the bottom of the boat while his landing craft (LST 128) unloaded tanks and infantry into enemy territory.

In July of 1945, Fran was discharged from the Navy. At the age of twenty-six and unmarried Fran reentered society and was once again looking for a steady job. Although Mr. Preston was not negatively affected by his service after returning, he faced many unrelated challenges at home. He got married and had five children, all while coping with obstacles such as his wife's alcoholism and taking care of his mother. Mr. Preston is now retired and happily living in Brewster, Massachusetts. Though his time in the Navy was completed many years ago, life's obstacles have caused Mr. Preston to be seen as a heroic figure to many in his life.