Frank V. Benak

Cpl. Frank V Benak, a courageous and valiant soldier, has at long last returned home to family and the embrace of the nation he served so dutifully. Eighty-one years after being declared Missing in Action, his remains have been identified, closing a long chapter of uncertainty that has lingered for generations.

Born on May 17, 1918, Frank exemplified the highest ideals of honor, duty, and sacrifice. He registered for the Selective Service in October 1940 and reported for induction into the US Army on May 8, 1941 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

He was assigned to the 128th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division and in April 1942 departed for duty in the Southwest Pacific Theater later joining Cannon Company that was activated in June 1942. On the morning of December 5th, 1942, as part of Allied detachment codenamed "Urbana Force," a four-man patrol was sent out from a point 250 yards SE of Buna Village in what is now Papua New Guinea. Before leaving friendly lines, two of the members refused to go on patrol, but Cpl. Benak and one other soldier proceeded into enemy territory. Cpl. Benak's fellow soldier was wounded in his leg and returned to the safety of his own line. Cpl. Frank Benak did not return. Cpl. Frank V Benak served his country with unwavering resolve. His bravery and dedication knew no bounds as he faced the challenges of battle
with unwavering courage.

Frank was declared Missing in Action on December 6, 1942, leaving his loved ones to grapple with the anguish of uncertainty for the rest of their lives. His parents, Barbara and Vincent Benak and his brothers, Jim and Joe Benak, all now deceased, never gave up looking for him throughout their own lives. Frank's memory and the search to find him was passed down to the next generation and the generation after that. For more than eight decades, his fate remained a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve their country and the lost possibilities of one lost so young.

Now, with the discovery of his remains, Frank's surviving nieces and nephews (Frank G Benak, George J Benak, Rose Benak Robinson, Mary Becker and Barbara Benak Bergstrom) can finally find solace in knowing that their uncle will finally receive the recognition and honor he deserves. It is sad that those who knew Frank best as well as nephews Joseph Frank Benak KIA Vietnam 1969 and Edward Benak DOD 2002, could not have that peace. But through diligence and love, even though the passage of time has been long, Frank's memory has remained steadfast, a testament to the enduring legacy of his service, sacrifice and also who he was as a son and brother before the war.

May his memory serve as a reminder of the profound debt of gratitude owed to those who have given their lives in service to their country.

The funeral for Cpl. Frank V Benak will be held graveside with full military honors in the Veterans Garden at Vista Memorial Gardens in Miami Lakes, Florida on April 12, 2024 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Project Recover https://www.projectrecover.org/donate-every-americans-mission/, in honor of his memory and the sacrifices made by all who serve.

It is through the perseverance and honor of the US Government and its Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency that the remains of Cpl. Frank V. Benak were found. DNA was provided by Frank's brother, Joe, 2 years before his own death in 2019 and from his oldest nephew, Frank G. Benak.

Though Cpl. Frank V Benak may have been lost to us for many years, his spirit endures, a shining example of courage and selflessness for
generations to come. Rest in peace, son and brother, uncle and brave soldier. You will never be forgotten.