Frank Mitchell was born on August 18, 1921, in Indian Gap, Texas, and was a 1938 graduate of Roaring Springs High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1939, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1945, following World War II service aboard the aircraft carrier at Wake Island, additional service in the Marshall Islands, and occupation duty in China. He was also attached to Fleet Marine Force Pacific as a member of its rifle and pistol team. He attended Colorado College under the Navy V-12 program, and also attended Southwestern University and North Texas Agricultural and Mechanical College. He played varsity football in college for two years. During the Korean War, First Lieutenant Mitchell was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines when he displayed extraordinary heroism in waging a single-handed battle against the enemy on November 26, 1950, near Hansan-ni, to cover the withdrawal of wounded Marines, despite multiple wounds to himself. For this action in which he sacrificed his own life to save the lives of his fellow wounded, he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His body was never recovered. The Medal of Honor was presented August 6, 1952 to Mitchell's widow and daughter by Lieutenant Colonel Henry D. Strunk, the acting director of the 6th Marine Corps Reserve District, at their home in Atlanta, Georgia.
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant Frank Nicias Mitchell, United States Marine Corps, for gallantry in action while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, in action against the enemy near Hamhung, North Korea, on 3 November 1950, as a Rifle Platoon Leader occupying a position in his company's defensive sector. While making a short reconnaissance to improve his position, his platoon was suddenly and viciously attacked by the enemy. Immediately returning to his platoon, which was on the verge of being overrun, he rallied his men to repel the attack and he, although painfully wounded in the ensuing action, refused to be evacuated until the danger of a serious break-through was averted. First Lieutenant Mitchell's actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Bronze Star citation
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" to First Lieutenant Frank Nicias Mitchell, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving with Company A, First Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division, during the period 24 September 1950 to 4 October 1950. First Lieutenant Mitchell, acting as a Rifle Platoon Commander, continuously displayed outstanding leadership and professional skill against the enemy. On 26 September 1950, while assigned the mission of assaulting a well defended hill, he fearlessly led the men up the hill. As the enemy fire increased, his platoon became pinned down and forced to take cover. Heedless of his own personal safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to the enemy fire and moved among his men to inspire and rally them to continue the assault. His actions materially aided his platoon in successfully seizing and occupying the objective. First Lieutenant Mitchell's courageous actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Legacy
The following have been named in honor of 1stLt Mitchell:
Roaring Spring, Texas has renamed the highway bypass surrounding the town, and built a town park in his honor.
The Marine Archives building in Washington D.C. is named in his honor.
The Infantry Officers Course building at The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia is named in his honor.
