Thursday June 4, 2015
WWII US Army Veteran Sgt Frank Friddle, Susanville, CA

The Patriot Guard Riders having been invited to participate in Military Honors for a true American hero WWII US Army Veteran Sgt Frank Friddle at Diamond Crest Cemetery in Susanville, CA

On a beautiful cool partly cloudy day, 8 PGR stood in Honor and Respect. I would like to thank all those that participated from the Susanville, Janesville, Westwood, Alturas and Lake Almanor areas.

Frank Friddle was born Aug. 5, 1922 in Chester, Arkansas and died May 25, 2015 in the VA Hospital in Reno, Nevada.

Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942. He was in the Anti-Tank Company in 349th Infantry. He was in the Rome-Arne, No Appennines, and Po Valley campaigns/battles. He received the Purple Heart while attached to the 337th Infantry Division on December 7, 1944, and the Bronze Star while attached to the 85th Division on June 17, 1945.

Frank married Lena Stephens in September 1945, the moved to Modesto, California in 1946 where their first child was born. They moved back to Arkansas and ten returned to Susanville in 1952 where their second child was born and have lived in Susanville to date.

Frank was employed at Sierra Army Depot as demolition supervisor from 1953 to 1981, retiring with 30 years with and including his service years. He was a volunteer for Susanville Police Department for 10 years, very active with the Susanville Senior Center with his wife, Lena.

In 2002, Frank had the honor of being the "Old Timer of the Year" at Lassen County Fair and enjoyed the parade and festivities.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, Ray, Art, Howard, Louie and Donald.

He is survived by his wife, Lena (of 70 years); his daughters, Peggy Davidson, of Medford, Oregon, and Sharon (Keith) Barnum, of Susanville; granddaughter, Roxanne (Wayne) Steward, of Coos Bay, Oregon; great-grandchildren, Ben, Kyra and James; great-granddaughter, Teka (Kyle) Brown, of Okinawa, Japan and three great-great-grandchildren, Tailor, Trae and Tomas; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

"What so be fitting a veteran than to have passed on Memorial Day."

RC: Blake - "Burnout"
ARC: Skip "Boonerider" Kelly