Seaman First Class Francis Lestina was born on March 9, 1913. He enlisted in the Navy on May 26, 1943 in Chicago, IL. Francis reported on June 2, 1943 for basic training at USNTC (United States Naval Training Center), Great Lakes, Illinois. On July 24, 1943 he was advanced to S2c (Seaman 2nd class) at USNTC. He completed training on August 3, 1943.
His first and only duty was aboard USS Indianapolis. He went aboard on September 1, 1943.
Francis was lost at sea when Indianapolis sunk July 30, 1945. He was 32 years old.
He was married with one son and was very proud of “Indy”.