Name: Rudolph Anthony FRANK
Rank / Rating: S2-Seaman Second Class
Service #: 275 52 31
DOB: 1928
From: New Orleans, LA
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph A. Frank
Went Aboard: Dec 01, 1944
Age When Ship Went Down: 17
Spouse:
Children:
Grandchildren:
Bio Submitted By: Patricia Stephens (Admin)
Date Posted: Jul 12, 2025

Little is know about Rudolph's early life. His name is found on the 1930 US Census, New Orleans, where he is living with his parents, Rudolph and "Amia" Frank. However, the entries for others in the household are questionable and considered unreliable. The 1940 US Census, New Orleans, recorded Randolph A., 49 yo, head of household Alma, wife, 39 yo; Earl, son, 14 yo; RUDOLPH, Jr., son, 12 yo and Shirley Mae, daughter, 5 yo. Rudolph's father is incorrectly listed as Randolph. He is listed in the city directories of New Orleans as Rudolph A., not Randolph. Note that Rudolph is listed as Jr. No other documents were found noting Rudolph as a Junior. Rudolph's father registered in the 4th or "old man's" WWII Draft Registration in 1942 at age 52 in New Orleans. His first name is spelled Rudolf (no middle name) Frank, born in Germany. German naming patterns may not have precluded Rudolf from giving his son a middle name and noting him as Jr. No birth information was found, so Rudolph's age is estimated from the 1940 census.

From the Naval Recruiting Station, New Orleans, Rudolph was transferred to the Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA on August 23, 1944 for basic training. He was a AS (Apprentice Seaman). His rate advanced to S2c (Seaman 2nd class) on October 26, 1944. He was transferred November 22, 1944 to the Naval Training and Distribution Center, Shoemaker, CA where he arrived the next day. He was transferred from Shoemaker on December 1, 1944 to the heavy cruiser USS Indianpolis CA-35 where he went aboard the same day. Rudolph served as a S2c for the remainder of his time aboard Indianapolis. He saw action in the Iwo Jima Operation in February and ending March 1, 1945. On March 17, 1945, Indy took part in the Okinawa Gunto Operation which ended March 25, 1945. Rudolph was present for the Assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto from March 26 to April 5, 1945. During this engagement, a kamikaze plane damaged Indy killing nine crew members and injuring 20 others. No records were found that note Rudolph as being injured. Rudolph was awarded two bronze stars devices attached to the Asiatic-Pacific ribbon representing the two battle stars Indy was awarded for these two engagements. Less than eight months after coming on board, Rudolph's service ended tragically on 30 July, 1945, when the ship was torpedoed by Japanese submarine I-58 and sunk in the Philippine Sea. He was only 17 years old. His name is inscribed on the Tablets of the Missing in the Manila American Cemetery, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, Philippines. He was awarded the Purple Heart, posthumously. His name is listed in the USN casualty book as Rudolph Anthony Frank, Seaman 2c, USNR. Parents - Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Frank, 1305 France St., New Orleans.