The 35th Infantry Regiment Association salutes our fallen brother, PVT Frank Pinter, who died in the service of his country on August 16th, 1943 in Vella Lavella. The cause of death was listed as DOW. At the time of his death Frank was 31 years of age. He was from Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
The decorations earned by PVT Frank Pinter include: the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Frank was wounded during enemy air raid on 08/15/1943, the first day of the Vella Lavella assault. He was buried at sea.
(From Chester County, PA Home of Heroes)
Frank Pinter was born in 1912 to Alexander and Teresa Pinter who lived at 248 Hall Street in Phoenixville, PA. Frank was one of seven children. His parents immigrated from Hungary; his father in 1892, his mother in 1896. His father worked as a laborer at Phoenixville Steel Company.
Frank married Margaret Luchhoez of Pottstown in February 1942. He entered the Army on March 2, 1942. Frank received training in Georgia, California, and Hawaii. He was assigned to Company A of the 35th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Division.
The 25th Division was shipped to Guadalcanal in January 1943 to relieve the 1st Marine Division. After the Japanese gave-up and evacuated Guadalcanal in the summer of 1943, the 25th Division made plans to move-up the Solomon Islands capturing key islands in the chain. The 35th Infantry mounted an amphibious assault on Vella Lavella in the northern Solomons August 15, 1943.
Margaret Pinter received a telegram from the War Department on Saturday September 25th that Frank was "slightly wounded in action" on August 15. On Thursday October 7th, she received a telegram stating that her husband was missing in action. On Saturday October 30th, Margaret received a telegram stating Frank died of wounds. The telegram read:
"Reference my telegram of October 7 corrected. Report now received states your husband Pvt. Frank Pinter, who previously was reported missing in action, died August 16 in Southwest Pacific area as result of wounds received in action. Secretary of War extends his deep sympathy. Letter will follow."
In early November, 1945, Margaret received a letter from Major General J.A. Ulio of Washington D.C. stating that Frank was wounded aboard ship August 15. The ship was transporting his unit up the "slot" (passageway up the middle of the Solomon Islands) somewhere between Vella Lavella and Florida Island. He was buried at sea at Latitude 9 degrees, 9 minutes south; Longitude 139 degrees, 33 minutes east.
General Ulio further expressed his regret for the conflicting reports. He further wrote:
"The significance of his brave service in defense of his country at the time of our gravest crisis will be preserved and commemorated by a grateful nation, and it is hoped that this thought may give you strength and courage in your sorrow."
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