Frank Virtue, born in Galena, Jo Daviess, IL, was the son of Minnie Elizabeth Virtue. Minnie surrended her child on 12 Apr 1923 to the Hillcrest Deaconess Home and Baby Fold in Dubuque, IA giving up all her parental rights. The president of the organization was Louise M. Hancock. The following year on 11 Mar 1924 Louise and her husband, Dr. John C. Hancock officially adopted baby Frank Virtue. His name was changed to Franklin Hancock. The Hancock's had no other children.
Franklin grew up in Dubuque, IA and attended the Washington Junior High School. After graduating from Washington JHS he was sent east in 1936 to attend the Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. Frank or Hank, as he was known to his classmates, excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. He was honor man, First group; Second group (2); Dramatic Association, Cast, Scenic Designer; Four-year club; Charter member, Midwestern Club; All-Club Soccer Team (3); All-Club Fencing Team; and his college preference was Harvard.
After graduating from Exeter in Jun 1940, Franklin entered Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. While in college, he participated for two years in the dramatic club. His degree interests were history and literature, and his intended war service was with the Army Air Corps (AAC). He followed through with the commitment when in May 1942 he volunteered for the AAC. Franklin was called to active service in February 1943. Along with other volunteers, Franklin was sent from Boston to Atlantic City, NJ where he enlisted on 26 Feb 1943. He was then sent to Michigan State College, Lansing MI possibly for some initial training. It is believed that Hancock began his service as an aviation cadet and earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant on 5 Feb 1944. His service for the next year is unknown, however, it is known that he left for foreign service about 10 Feb 1945. By Mar 1945, he was assigned to the Fifth Air Force, V Bomber Cmd, 308th Bombardment Wing, 38th Bombardment Group, 822nd Bombardment Squadron (M) that was stationed in the Philippines at that time. He flew his first combat mission against Luzon targets on 27 Mar 1945. His second and last combat mission was on 02 Apr 1945.
During the month of April 1945, the 822nd Squadron's mission was the neutralizing of Formosa Airdromes and towns and to provide ground support for US Infantry and Artillery units on Luzon where the squadron was stationed. On 2 April 1945, the squadron’s mission was to engage targets of opportunity along the west coast of Formosa with the primary targets being railroad rolling stock. Six planes each from the 71st squadron and the 822nd squadrons were to take-off at 0600 with the formation rendezvousing with the fighter cover of eight P-47's at 0825 off the southern tip of Formosa. The route of attack was to follow the railroad north starting at Taichu. However, take-off was delayed until 1640. After take-off, the B-25s arrived at the rendezvous point and joined with the fighter cover. They proceeded to the target area turning into the land just north of Tainan. Several trains were sighted and attacked. Both were either severely damaged or destroyed. Lt. Shannon's three plane flight consisting of his plane and aircraft flown by Lts Neff* and Mahanah (sic) attacked a train at Sharoku. During their strafing attack the airplanes piloted by Lts Neff and Mahannah were seen to crash. One crashed and exploded 3 miles northwest of Taichu airdrome (prob. Lt Mahannah) and the other crashed in the water (prob Lt Neff) just off Gosei with no survivors seen from either plane. Estimates are that anti-aircraft fire from the sides of the railroad and from along the coast caused the loss of these two planes. Lt Mahannah’s plane and crew remains were discovered after the war ended. Lt Neff’s plane and the remains of all but one crewmember, Lt Franklin Hancock, were not recoverable. Neff’s crew killed in action were 2Lt Whitney Blauvelt, 2Lt Franklin Hancock, TSGT Charles W. Miles, TSGT Roy L. Eaves, and SSGT Gordon S. Burns. Five were reported as missing in action. Second Lt Hancock was awarded (posthumously) the Purple Heart.
Recent (02 Oct 2017) information received via email from the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) indicates that Lt Hancock’s remains were recovered, and he was buried in Linwood Cemetery, Dubuque, IA. They also stated that they had no further information on his recovery. That explains why his name does not appear with the rest of his fellow crewmembers on the Tablets of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the Franklin Hancock Iowa Service Compensation file of August 1949.
His mother received notification of Lt Hancock's death via telegram on 19 April 1945. It reads; The Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regret that your son 2/Lt Hancock Franklin was killed in action over Formosa 2 April 45. Confirming letter follows. J A Ulio The Adjutant General
------------------------------------------------
[bio compiled G47]
Franklin grew up in Dubuque, IA and attended the Washington Junior High School. After graduating from Washington JHS he was sent east in 1936 to attend the Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. Frank or Hank, as he was known to his classmates, excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. He was honor man, First group; Second group (2); Dramatic Association, Cast, Scenic Designer; Four-year club; Charter member, Midwestern Club; All-Club Soccer Team (3); All-Club Fencing Team; and his college preference was Harvard.
After graduating from Exeter in Jun 1940, Franklin entered Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. While in college, he participated for two years in the dramatic club. His degree interests were history and literature, and his intended war service was with the Army Air Corps (AAC). He followed through with the commitment when in May 1942 he volunteered for the AAC. Franklin was called to active service in February 1943. Along with other volunteers, Franklin was sent from Boston to Atlantic City, NJ where he enlisted on 26 Feb 1943. He was then sent to Michigan State College, Lansing MI possibly for some initial training. It is believed that Hancock began his service as an aviation cadet and earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant on 5 Feb 1944. His service for the next year is unknown, however, it is known that he left for foreign service about 10 Feb 1945. By Mar 1945, he was assigned to the Fifth Air Force, V Bomber Cmd, 308th Bombardment Wing, 38th Bombardment Group, 822nd Bombardment Squadron (M) that was stationed in the Philippines at that time. He flew his first combat mission against Luzon targets on 27 Mar 1945. His second and last combat mission was on 02 Apr 1945.
During the month of April 1945, the 822nd Squadron's mission was the neutralizing of Formosa Airdromes and towns and to provide ground support for US Infantry and Artillery units on Luzon where the squadron was stationed. On 2 April 1945, the squadron’s mission was to engage targets of opportunity along the west coast of Formosa with the primary targets being railroad rolling stock. Six planes each from the 71st squadron and the 822nd squadrons were to take-off at 0600 with the formation rendezvousing with the fighter cover of eight P-47's at 0825 off the southern tip of Formosa. The route of attack was to follow the railroad north starting at Taichu. However, take-off was delayed until 1640. After take-off, the B-25s arrived at the rendezvous point and joined with the fighter cover. They proceeded to the target area turning into the land just north of Tainan. Several trains were sighted and attacked. Both were either severely damaged or destroyed. Lt. Shannon's three plane flight consisting of his plane and aircraft flown by Lts Neff* and Mahanah (sic) attacked a train at Sharoku. During their strafing attack the airplanes piloted by Lts Neff and Mahannah were seen to crash. One crashed and exploded 3 miles northwest of Taichu airdrome (prob. Lt Mahannah) and the other crashed in the water (prob Lt Neff) just off Gosei with no survivors seen from either plane. Estimates are that anti-aircraft fire from the sides of the railroad and from along the coast caused the loss of these two planes. Lt Mahannah’s plane and crew remains were discovered after the war ended. Lt Neff’s plane and the remains of all but one crewmember, Lt Franklin Hancock, were not recoverable. Neff’s crew killed in action were 2Lt Whitney Blauvelt, 2Lt Franklin Hancock, TSGT Charles W. Miles, TSGT Roy L. Eaves, and SSGT Gordon S. Burns. Five were reported as missing in action. Second Lt Hancock was awarded (posthumously) the Purple Heart.
Recent (02 Oct 2017) information received via email from the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) indicates that Lt Hancock’s remains were recovered, and he was buried in Linwood Cemetery, Dubuque, IA. They also stated that they had no further information on his recovery. That explains why his name does not appear with the rest of his fellow crewmembers on the Tablets of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the Franklin Hancock Iowa Service Compensation file of August 1949.
His mother received notification of Lt Hancock's death via telegram on 19 April 1945. It reads; The Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regret that your son 2/Lt Hancock Franklin was killed in action over Formosa 2 April 45. Confirming letter follows. J A Ulio The Adjutant General
------------------------------------------------
[bio compiled G47]
Frank Virtue, born in Galena, Jo Daviess, IL, was the son of Minnie Elizabeth Virtue. Minnie surrended her child on 12 Apr 1923 to the Hillcrest Deaconess Home and Baby Fold in Dubuque, IA giving up all her parental rights. The president of the organization was Louise M. Hancock. The following year on 11 Mar 1924 Louise and her husband, Dr. John C. Hancock officially adopted baby Frank Virtue. His name was changed to Franklin Hancock. The Hancock's had no other children.
Franklin grew up in Dubuque, IA and attended the Washington Junior High School. After graduating from Washington JHS he was sent east in 1936 to attend the Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. Frank or Hank, as he was known to his classmates, excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. He was honor man, First group; Second group (2); Dramatic Association, Cast, Scenic Designer; Four-year club; Charter member, Midwestern Club; All-Club Soccer Team (3); All-Club Fencing Team; and his college preference was Harvard.
After graduating from Exeter in Jun 1940, Franklin entered Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. While in college, he participated for two years in the dramatic club. His degree interests were history and literature, and his intended war service was with the Army Air Corps (AAC). He followed through with the commitment when in May 1942 he volunteered for the AAC. Franklin was called to active service in February 1943. Along with other volunteers, Franklin was sent from Boston to Atlantic City, NJ where he enlisted on 26 Feb 1943. He was then sent to Michigan State College, Lansing MI possibly for some initial training. It is believed that Hancock began his service as an aviation cadet and earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant on 5 Feb 1944. His service for the next year is unknown, however, it is known that he left for foreign service about 10 Feb 1945. By Mar 1945, he was assigned to the Fifth Air Force, V Bomber Cmd, 308th Bombardment Wing, 38th Bombardment Group, 822nd Bombardment Squadron (M) that was stationed in the Philippines at that time. He flew his first combat mission against Luzon targets on 27 Mar 1945. His second and last combat mission was on 02 Apr 1945.
During the month of April 1945, the 822nd Squadron's mission was the neutralizing of Formosa Airdromes and towns and to provide ground support for US Infantry and Artillery units on Luzon where the squadron was stationed. On 2 April 1945, the squadron’s mission was to engage targets of opportunity along the west coast of Formosa with the primary targets being railroad rolling stock. Six planes each from the 71st squadron and the 822nd squadrons were to take-off at 0600 with the formation rendezvousing with the fighter cover of eight P-47's at 0825 off the southern tip of Formosa. The route of attack was to follow the railroad north starting at Taichu. However, take-off was delayed until 1640. After take-off, the B-25s arrived at the rendezvous point and joined with the fighter cover. They proceeded to the target area turning into the land just north of Tainan. Several trains were sighted and attacked. Both were either severely damaged or destroyed. Lt. Shannon's three plane flight consisting of his plane and aircraft flown by Lts Neff* and Mahanah (sic) attacked a train at Sharoku. During their strafing attack the airplanes piloted by Lts Neff and Mahannah were seen to crash. One crashed and exploded 3 miles northwest of Taichu airdrome (prob. Lt Mahannah) and the other crashed in the water (prob Lt Neff) just off Gosei with no survivors seen from either plane. Estimates are that anti-aircraft fire from the sides of the railroad and from along the coast caused the loss of these two planes. Lt Mahannah’s plane and crew remains were discovered after the war ended. Lt Neff’s plane and the remains of all but one crewmember, Lt Franklin Hancock, were not recoverable. Neff’s crew killed in action were 2Lt Whitney Blauvelt, 2Lt Franklin Hancock, TSGT Charles W. Miles, TSGT Roy L. Eaves, and SSGT Gordon S. Burns. Five were reported as missing in action. Second Lt Hancock was awarded (posthumously) the Purple Heart.
Recent (02 Oct 2017) information received via email from the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) indicates that Lt Hancock’s remains were recovered, and he was buried in Linwood Cemetery, Dubuque, IA. They also stated that they had no further information on his recovery. That explains why his name does not appear with the rest of his fellow crewmembers on the Tablets of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the Franklin Hancock Iowa Service Compensation file of August 1949.
His mother received notification of Lt Hancock's death via telegram on 19 April 1945. It reads; The Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regret that your son 2/Lt Hancock Franklin was killed in action over Formosa 2 April 45. Confirming letter follows. J A Ulio The Adjutant General
------------------------------------------------
[bio compiled G47]
Franklin grew up in Dubuque, IA and attended the Washington Junior High School. After graduating from Washington JHS he was sent east in 1936 to attend the Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. Frank or Hank, as he was known to his classmates, excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. He was honor man, First group; Second group (2); Dramatic Association, Cast, Scenic Designer; Four-year club; Charter member, Midwestern Club; All-Club Soccer Team (3); All-Club Fencing Team; and his college preference was Harvard.
After graduating from Exeter in Jun 1940, Franklin entered Harvard University in Cambridge, MA. While in college, he participated for two years in the dramatic club. His degree interests were history and literature, and his intended war service was with the Army Air Corps (AAC). He followed through with the commitment when in May 1942 he volunteered for the AAC. Franklin was called to active service in February 1943. Along with other volunteers, Franklin was sent from Boston to Atlantic City, NJ where he enlisted on 26 Feb 1943. He was then sent to Michigan State College, Lansing MI possibly for some initial training. It is believed that Hancock began his service as an aviation cadet and earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant on 5 Feb 1944. His service for the next year is unknown, however, it is known that he left for foreign service about 10 Feb 1945. By Mar 1945, he was assigned to the Fifth Air Force, V Bomber Cmd, 308th Bombardment Wing, 38th Bombardment Group, 822nd Bombardment Squadron (M) that was stationed in the Philippines at that time. He flew his first combat mission against Luzon targets on 27 Mar 1945. His second and last combat mission was on 02 Apr 1945.
During the month of April 1945, the 822nd Squadron's mission was the neutralizing of Formosa Airdromes and towns and to provide ground support for US Infantry and Artillery units on Luzon where the squadron was stationed. On 2 April 1945, the squadron’s mission was to engage targets of opportunity along the west coast of Formosa with the primary targets being railroad rolling stock. Six planes each from the 71st squadron and the 822nd squadrons were to take-off at 0600 with the formation rendezvousing with the fighter cover of eight P-47's at 0825 off the southern tip of Formosa. The route of attack was to follow the railroad north starting at Taichu. However, take-off was delayed until 1640. After take-off, the B-25s arrived at the rendezvous point and joined with the fighter cover. They proceeded to the target area turning into the land just north of Tainan. Several trains were sighted and attacked. Both were either severely damaged or destroyed. Lt. Shannon's three plane flight consisting of his plane and aircraft flown by Lts Neff* and Mahanah (sic) attacked a train at Sharoku. During their strafing attack the airplanes piloted by Lts Neff and Mahannah were seen to crash. One crashed and exploded 3 miles northwest of Taichu airdrome (prob. Lt Mahannah) and the other crashed in the water (prob Lt Neff) just off Gosei with no survivors seen from either plane. Estimates are that anti-aircraft fire from the sides of the railroad and from along the coast caused the loss of these two planes. Lt Mahannah’s plane and crew remains were discovered after the war ended. Lt Neff’s plane and the remains of all but one crewmember, Lt Franklin Hancock, were not recoverable. Neff’s crew killed in action were 2Lt Whitney Blauvelt, 2Lt Franklin Hancock, TSGT Charles W. Miles, TSGT Roy L. Eaves, and SSGT Gordon S. Burns. Five were reported as missing in action. Second Lt Hancock was awarded (posthumously) the Purple Heart.
Recent (02 Oct 2017) information received via email from the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) indicates that Lt Hancock’s remains were recovered, and he was buried in Linwood Cemetery, Dubuque, IA. They also stated that they had no further information on his recovery. That explains why his name does not appear with the rest of his fellow crewmembers on the Tablets of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Manila, Philippines.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
From the Franklin Hancock Iowa Service Compensation file of August 1949.
His mother received notification of Lt Hancock's death via telegram on 19 April 1945. It reads; The Secretary of War desires me to express his deep regret that your son 2/Lt Hancock Franklin was killed in action over Formosa 2 April 45. Confirming letter follows. J A Ulio The Adjutant General
------------------------------------------------
[bio compiled G47]
Inscription
2nd Lt Army Air Corps - Killed in Action Over Taichu, Formosa
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