World War II Veteran
Frank J. Hoenemeyer
Interviewed by:
Jamison Rushnak and Emily Cavanaugh
1942
2015|
(left to right: Jamie Rushnak, Frank Hoenemeyer, Emily Cavanaugh)
"...You see heroes every day, you just don't recognize them."
~ Frank Hoenemeyer (34:46)
Name:
Frank J. Hoenemeyer
Date of Birth:
November 1, 1919
Branch of Service:
Army Air Corp.
Dates of Service:
July 1941 - September 1946
Reserves: 1946-1952
Location of Military Service:
USA, England, France, and Germany
Residence at Time of Interview:
Chatham, MA
Frank Hoenemeyer's Story
Frank J. Hoenemeyer is one of the unthanked heroes of World War II. Frank was born on November 1, 1919, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up during the greatest economic crisis in U.S. history. His father lost his business, and he had to move from job to job to support his family. Mr. Hoenemeyer’s parents made sure that their kids had a normal childhood with the given circumstances. From an early age, Frank Hoenemeyer was surrounded by unnoticed heroic actions.
After graduating high school Frank attended Xavier University located in Cincinnati, Ohio. There he studied finance and economics. He was required to take one year of training in the ROTC program. The ROTC program stands from Reserve Officer Training Corp, and it teaches basic military training. When he finished his one-year requirement he decided to apply for further training.
Mr.Hoenemeyer graduated from Xavier University in the year 1941, the same year that the U.S. joined World War II. Right away Frank enlisted himself into the Army Air Corp. Frank left behind his new wife and family to fight for his country. Frank was a troubleshooter stationed in France, England, and Germany. Frank inspected planes to make sure they had all the supplies and equipment they needed, and if it was anything missing he would track down whatever it was. Although it might not seem like the most glamorous job, thanks to Frank Hoenemeyer, American Soldiers were flying in well-equipped and safe planes.
Mr. Hoenemeyer left the Army Air Corps in 1945 but continued to serve in the reserves for six years. When he returned to the States he built a life with his wife and provided for his four children. He is now retired and lives on Cape Cod. Some might say he’s not a true hero because he was not fighting on the front line, but he made sure that everyone up in the air was safe.
Learn more about Frank Hoenemeyer's story by watching the video (above).
Photo Album
Mr. Hoenemeyer (bottom right corner) inspecting a plane before it goes overseas.
A letter Mr. Heonemeyer wrote to his wife in 1945.
Frank Hoenemeyer in the 1950's.
The Army Air Force Seal:
the branch Frank served in.
These are the three places where Frank Hoenemeyer was stationed.