Francis E. Kratz was born on January 11, 1923 and grew up in Brooklyn, NY. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1941, and was serving in the Signal Corps in the Panama Canal when World War II started.
He was sent to Officer’s Candidate School where he became a lieutenant. He served in Europe, and when that campaign ended he sailed for the Asiatic Pacific. In 1945 when hostilities ceased, he left the Army but stayed in the Reserves. He married Jane Mahon in 1951. He was called back to active service during the Korean War and decided to remain in the Army. On tour of duty as an exchange officer to Naval Station 85 in Hawaii, he was deputy operations officer during the M-8 Mercury operations. This station was the hub for the recovery operations for Navy Commander Schirras splashdown in the Pacific.
He retired from the military after more than 20 years of service. Upon his retirement he became involved in computer systems with the Department of Defense until his death in September 20, 1976. Throughout his varied assignments, he received numerous medals and commendations including the Bronze Star. He had four children; Eugene, Barbara, Margaret and Theresa, who traveled everywhere with him.