Frank Bender (died 1944)

1937 LHS basketball squad	1939 LHS football squad

A letter received recently by the A. L. Putnams informed them that Cpl. Frank Bender, with the U. S. infantry, has been transferred from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and is now with his outfit in California, at the present time on desert maneuvers.

Arrives Safely Overseas

Writing the A. L. Putnams, Sgt. Frank Bender says that he has arrived safely overseas with his outfit. Frank, an aerial gunner, says he is feeling fine.

SGT. FRANK BENDER KILLED IN ACTION

GRANDMOTHER RECEIVED NOTICE OF HIS DEATH LAST FRIDAY, OCT. 13

Sgt. Frank Bender, eighth local boy to lose his life since our entry into the present war, has been reported by the war department as killed in action, according to a telegram received by his grandmother, Mrs. Susan Bender, of Hammond, last Friday, Oct. 13th.

Sgt. Bender, 23, was an aerial gunner, stationed with a bombing squadron in England for many months, and had successfully completed several missions over enemy territory. Details surrounding his death have not as yet been learned. He has been in the service since October, 1941.

Sgt. Bender, well known here, moved to Lowell from Hammond in 1936 with his grandmother, residing at the north edge of town. His grandmother later moved to Lake Dalecarlia, then to Hammond, but Frank remained here with the A.L. Putnams who purchased the property where they had been living.

A graduate of Lowell high school with the class of 1939, Bender was employed at Hegewisch prior to entering the service.