Frederick Melvin Franks Jr.

Frederick Melvin Franks Jr. returned to command one of the U.S. Army's largest armored formations after losing his left leg to wounds sustained in Vietnam. His recovery was followed by a military career that culminated in the liberation of Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm.

Born on 1 November 1936 in West Lawn, Pennsylvania, Franks graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned in Armor on 3 June 1959. His early service included assignments with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Germany. After earning two master's degrees from Columbia University and teaching in West Point's English Department, he returned to the regiment in Vietnam, serving as operations officer of its 2nd Squadron.

During 1969 and 1970, Major Franks distinguished himself by directing reconnaissance, supporting fires and ground operations. His actions at Bu Dop on 15 December 1969 earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, and his gallantry on 19 February 1970 earned the Silver Star. His Vietnam decorations also included the Bronze Star for valor, 43 Air Medals and two Purple Hearts. On 5 May 1970, during the Cambodian offensive near Snuol, he was seriously wounded by an enemy grenade. Multiple surgeries ultimately resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee.

Determined to remain in the Army, Franks returned to active service in 1972. He later commanded the 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 1st Armored Division. His assignments also included the Command and General Staff College and the Joint Staff. In August 1989, he assumed command of VII Corps.

During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Lieutenant General Franks commanded American and British forces in the coalition's major armored offensive. In February 1991, his corps advanced into Iraq and fought major battles against Iraqi armored forces, contributing decisively to the liberation of Kuwait.

Promoted to four-star general in August 1991, Franks became commanding general of the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command, where he helped reshape doctrine, training and future-force development, including battle laboratories. He retired in November 1994 after more than 35 years of service.

Franks later coauthored Into the Storm with Tom Clancy, chaired the American Battle Monuments Commission, taught and mentored military leaders, and worked on military ethics. He advocated for wounded veterans and their families through Home Base, including its work on traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress.