Frank Staley Jr.

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Bio

Lieutenant Colonel Frank M. Staley, Jr., was the second child of F. Marcellus and Sarah R. Staley. He attended the public schools in Savannah, Georgia; Greensboro, North Carolina; and Americus, Georgia, and graduated from A. S. Staley High School in Americus. He furthered his education in Mathematics, commencing at Morehouse College and graduating from South Carolina State College in 1951. In 1951, Frank Staley was commissioned as an officer at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg.

He began military training at Camp Breckinridge Infantry School and was soon deployed to Korea, where he distinguished himself as a Platoon Leader in the 40th Infantry Division, 223rd Infantry Regiment. Renowned for his steady leadership, tactical acumen, and unwavering commitment to his men, Frank earned the respect of his peers and the admiration of those he led during some of the Korean War’s most challenging moments.

In recognition of his exemplary service, Frank was awarded the Korean War Service Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Purple Heart for an injury to his knee sustained in battle. Over a year and a half in Korea, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, enduring both scorching summers and bitter winters at the front. Known by the call sign “Watashi,” Frank loved the sight of the USAF flying overhead.

Following his service in Korea, he continued a career as an educator, including jobs at Fort. Valley State, Virginia State, and his beloved South Carolina State University. While at Fort Valley, he was credited with founding the Army ROTC program there. Frank instructed in Mathematics and Military Science at SCSU and was a beloved member of the school community for more than 30 years.

Photos

At Fort Jackson 501st Infantry assigned to 101st Airborne.

Frank Staley, Platoon Command

40th Infantry Division, 223rd Infantry Regiment

Camp Inspection Kapyong, Korea

Frank and Kon