US Navy Messmate 3rd Class Frank Marsh was born in Pensacola, Florida on April 30, 1896, the son of King Marsh (1867-1932) and Josephine "Polly" Cook Adams (1871-1919). His father was born in Forrest County, Mississippi while his mother was a native of Greenville, Alabama. His parents were married around 1892 and appeared in Pensacola prior to 1900. King supported his family as a carpenter during his lifetime. Their son Frank joined the work force at 12-years old and was working in 1910 as a shoe shiner at a barber shop. Six years later he was working as a porter and bell boy for the San Carlos Hotel.
As World War I appeared on the horizon in 1914, most Americans knew we would be pulled into it eventually. Sure enough, America became embroiled in the war on April 6, 1917. Frank would enlist in the US Navy on October 24, 1917, as a mess attendant. He was assigned to duty on the destroyer tender USS Melville (AD-2) where he was later promoted to 3rd Class. The Melville left for Queensland, Ireland on May 11, 1917, where she would serve as the destroyer flotilla's repair ship during the war.
After joining his ship, he found that her sole duty was to offer a floating repair platform for any of the Navy's destroyers operating out of Queensland. Compared to duty aboard many of the other warships, things were pretty good for the young 22-year-old Pensacolian. But before long the deadly epidemic of the Spanish Influenza struck Europe with a vengeance. Soldiers, sailors, and civilians alike were dying by the thousands. So, when Frank began to have aches and pains and a general malaise he assuredly wondered if it was the dreaded influenza. However, the aches progressed to a persistent headache lasting over a week. Shortly, the headache became severe, and he lost his appetite. As time went by a fever set in coupled with nausea and vomiting that progressed into unconsciousness. Finally, the doctors diagnosed Frank with advanced "tuberculosis meningitis" which in 1918 was a death sentence for many. He would pass away in the Queensland Hospital on November 10, 1918. The records show that his remains were forwarded to his next of kin but there are no indications that he is buried in Pensacola. His father was buried in the Zion Cemetery and his mother in the Magnolia Cemetery, both in Pensacola, and there's no listing of a Frank Marsh in either. Regardless of the whereabouts of his remains, he died serving his country in her time of need and deserves the respect of his nation.









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