THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Lt Frank Westerfield, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Officer. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Advent, and Christmas is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Sgt. Frank B. Westerfield (left) has been assigned as non commissioned officer in charge of the Zanesville Marine Corps recruiting station. He is relieving Sgt. Joe Nokes (right). Newspaper photo

I served with f/2/9 and was wounded on July 5th 1967.It was a horrible time a lot of chaos.God bless you and all of your family.L/Cpl LBWebster USMC 1966-1970.I did not know you ,but am gratefull for all marines that served in any capacity.

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Korean War

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal Frank B. Westerfield (MCSN: 1153595), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Gunner of Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on the night of 12 - 13 September 1951. Although sustaining severe and painful wounds on three separate occasions during a series of night-long enemy counterattacks launched against the company's defensive positions, Corporal Westerfield continued to deliver devastating fire upon the enemy. Shouting words of encouragement to his comrades throughout the night, he submitted to evacuation only after the hostile counterattacks had ceased on the following morning. By his outstanding courage, determination and selfless devotion to duty in the face of intense enemy fire, he served to inspire all who observed him and contributed greatly to the successful defense of the company's positions. Corporal Westerfield's heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: September 12 - 13, 1951

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Corporal

Company: Company F

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 7th Marines

Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.)

Frank and my father were USMC Recruiters in the Houston area in the mid 60's. Dad shipped out for a tour in Vietnam and while he was away, Frank filled in for Dad in all those fatherly duties. This was done in spite of the fact that he and his wife Pat had a family of their own. Later, Frank shipped out to 'Nam but he and my father didn't serve together. Dad came home and we all waited for Frank's tour to end and come back both his families. I was about 5 yrs old when we got "the call". Pat called to tell us that Frank had been killed. The saddest part was that he was due to leave and come back home very soon. Years later as a USMC SSgt myself, I visited The Wall in D.C. I'll never forget seeing Frank's name. I was immediately taken back to that day when a 5 yr old watched his Dad, a USMC GySgt cry like a baby for Frank. I began to do so too. I just stood there remembering how Frank would come check on us, help us with the things Dad would have done had he been there. How the entire Westerfield family treated us like their own family. My Marine buddy stood there with me with his arms around me as I wept for the memory of Frank, my surrogate father. God bless him and his family. I can't type anymore now as I cannot see the keyboard through my tears. Thanks, Frank. My family and I will never forget you. Semper Fi.