Frank Charles Vrana

Second Lieutenant Frank Charles Vrana was born 9 June 1921, west of Edmond, Oklahoma to Czech immigrants, Frank & Katherine Vrana. Described by family as "brilliant" and "multi-lingual," he graduated from High School at age 14 and delayed college until 1939.

Vrana enlisted on 5 October 1942 and joined the newly formed 123rd Infantry Regiment of the 33rd Infantry Division. After basic training, he trained as a medic. The 123rd Infantry engaged in jungle combat in New Guinea from September 1944 to January 1945.

In February 1945, the 123rd Infantry landed at Lingayan Gulf with mountainous jungle and a determined enemy in front of them. Then SSG Vrana and the other medics were trained to stay close to their attacking infantry units to attend the wounded. Three medics were KIA and 19 received Purple Hearts. On 14 April, Vrana, now a demonstrated leader, received a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant. For his actions on 19 April during an intense artillery barrage, Vrana was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. His citation reads in part, "… with utter disregard for his own life… he moved from one wounded soldier to another and coolly… administered first aid. On three occasions, he carried wounded men to shelter… and reflect[s] great credit upon himself and the military service."

With the capture of Baguio on 26 April 1945, the 123rd Infantry’s mission was complete and would perform occupation duties with Vrana continuing as the Battalion Surgeon’s Assistant. Vrana arrived home to Oklahoma after his 25 January 1946 separation expecting to pick up where he left off … he never did. War Department Pamphlet 21-35, 6 August 1945, was written for returning WWII soldiers like Frank Vrana who suffered from pychoneurosis (today’s PTSD).

Today the Veterans Administration and the public understand PTSD requires a community to support American veterans. Frank Vrana died in 1981 and rests in Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, OK.