Purple Heart Walk – Francis Schafer – Nemaha County Historical Society

Early Life in Seneca, Kansas

Frank Martin Schafer, affectionately known as “Junior” to family and friends, was born and raised in Seneca, Kansas. The only son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schafer, he was part of a close-knit Catholic family and grew up alongside four sisters: Bernice, Charlotte, Doris Jean, and Jackie Lou. He attended Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School in Seneca, where he was known as a quiet and dependable young man. Following school, Frank worked as a truck driver for August Wichman, contributing to his family and community before the war changed the trajectory of his life.

Answering the Call to Serve

With World War II escalating, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army, entering training at Camp Campbell, Kentucky. Assigned to Company D, 9th Armored Regiment, 20th Division, he soon became part of a tank battalion. His military training prepared him for a critical role as a tank driver, a position that demanded both courage and precision.

In December 1943, Frank wrote to his parents from North Africa, reassuring them of his safe arrival and describing the countryside as pleasant. He mentioned enjoying a Thanksgiving meal, a small comfort in the midst of wartime. His unit would go on to serve with distinction in some of the most challenging campaigns of the war.

Combat in Europe: North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and France

Frank Schafer’s military journey took him across multiple theaters of war. He served in North Africa, then participated in the invasions of Sicily and mainland Italy—grueling campaigns that tested the mettle of even the most seasoned soldiers. Eventually, he joined the Allied push into France, taking part in the invasion of southern France as a member of the Seventh Army.

On September 12, 1944, during fierce fighting in France, Frank’s tank was hit and destroyed. He lost all of his personal belongings and suffered injuries in the battle. For his bravery and sacrifice, he was awarded the Purple Heart and later received an Oak Leaf Cluster, a commendation for continued meritorious service.

Despite his injuries, Frank’s resilience was evident. In a letter home dated December 25, he indicated he had recovered and returned to active duty. His Christmas gifts, sent from overseas, arrived at his family’s home shortly after—beautiful silk scarves and gloves for his mother and sisters, and ties for his father. It was a touching gesture that underscored his love and devotion to his family.

Final Days and Sacrifice

On January 25, 1945, just five days after writing what would be his final letter to his parents, Sgt. Frank M. Schafer was killed in action near a wooded area in northeastern France. According to a letter from Division Chaplain Lt. Col. Ralph J. Smith, Frank had raised his head above the turret of his tank to get a better view of the terrain when he was struck by a sniper’s bullet. Death was instantaneous.

Chaplain Smith praised Frank as a “very capable and determined tank commander” who was respected by all who served with him. He noted that Frank had previously been singled out for commendation by an infantry battalion commander for his leadership under fire. His funeral service was conducted at the battlefield cemetery in France, where the chaplain personally presided.

Honored in His Hometown

Initially listed as missing in action, Frank’s death was confirmed in mid-February 1945, a devastating blow to his parents and the Seneca community. He was just 21 years old.

Three years later, in April 1948, Frank’s body was returned home on the U.S. Army Transport Robert F. Burns, the first Seneca soldier to be repatriated from overseas. The entire community rallied to honor his sacrifice. Businesses in Seneca closed for two hours to allow all residents to attend his funeral, a solemn and heartfelt tribute to one of their own.

His funeral Mass was held at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, followed by burial with full military honors at the parish cemetery. Over 200 veterans participated in the ceremony, which included a military color guard, a three-volley salute, and the playing of “Taps.” The reverence and unity shown that day reflected the deep respect the community held for Frank and his service.

Legacy of Courage and Patriotism

Sgt. Frank Martin Schafer’s story is one of selflessness, duty, and love of country. From the heartland of Kansas to the battlefields of Europe, he lived with integrity and fought with bravery. His quiet strength, devotion to family, and ultimate sacrifice embody the spirit of the “Greatest Generation.”

He is remembered not only by his family—his parents, sisters, and grandmother—but also by the people of Seneca, who continue to honor his memory. His life reminds us that freedom comes at a cost, and that heroes often come from the most humble of places.

SOURCES

Francis Martin Schafer

Francis Martin “Frank” Schafer

BIRTH

26 Oct 1923

Seneca, Nemaha County, Kansas, USA

DEATH

25 Jan 1945 (aged 21)

France

BURIAL

Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery

Seneca, Nemaha County, Kansas, USA

PLOT

Sec 2 Lot 148 Sp 2

MEMORIAL ID

41604138

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Courier Tribune

9 Dec 1943

page 1

Pvt. Frank M. Schafer has written his parents of his safe arrival overseas. He is in North Africa, says the country is nice where he is located. He spoke of having a fine Thanksgiving dinner. Pvt Schafer is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schafer, Seneca.

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The Courier Tribune

18 Mar 1943

page 1

With the Armed Forces

Frank Martin Schafer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schafer, Seneca, has the following address: Pvt. Frank M. Schafer, 37510455, Co. D. 9th Armed Regt., APO No. 444, 20th division, Camp Campbell, Kentucky, US army.

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Courier Tribune

18 Jan 1945

page 1

Purple Heart to Frank Schafer, Jr.

For Wounds Received ; Sept. 12 in France

Sgt. Frank M. Schafer Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schafer, Seneca, has been awarded two honors for outstanding service in action September 12, in France. The first award is the Purple Heart, the second the Oak Leaf Cluster to the Purple Heart. The awards were made under date of September 25 b Major General O’Daniel.

Mr. and Mrs. Schafer have received no direct information from their son regarding his injuries or the battle in which he took part but believe the action was during the invasion of southern France. Frank Jr., wrote his sister, Mrs. Wm. McEchron, Wichita, that his tank was knocked out and he lost all his personal belongings. Frank is with a tank battalion in the infantry of the U.S. Army. He served in Africa, Sicily and Italy before going to France. a letter to his parents, written December 25, and received Jan. 16, indicated he was recovered and returned to duty. Mr. and Mrs. Schafer have been hearing from their son regularly with the exception of a 30 day period this fall. He sent Christmas gifts to members of his family. they arrived last week and included beautiful silk embroidered head scarfs and gloves for his mother and sisters; ties for his father.

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Courier Tribune

12 Feb 1945

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News of Men and women in Uniform

Sgt. Frank Schafer Missing in Action

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schafer, Seneca, received word Friday that their son, Sgt. Frank M. Schafer, is reported missing in action over France since Jan. 25. the telegram from Adjutant Ulio’s office state that other information will follow, Sgt. Schafer has been in service 15 months. He was with a tank battalion and wounded on Sept. 12, for which he received the Purple Heart. He returned to duty about the time he was reported missing. friends sincerely, hope with the family that Sgt. Schafer may be found to be all right.

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The Courier Tribne

15 Feb 1945

page 1

Sgt. Schafer Is Dead

Was Killed in France

Seneca Youth Previously Listed as Missing in Line of Duty

Word came to Seneca relatives Wednesday that Sgt. Frank Schafer Jr., reported last week as missing in action in France, January 25th, was killed on that date in action, in France. The soldier served with a tank battalion and was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schafer, Seneca.

Another local youth has paid the supreme sacrifice by giving his life for his country. Frank Schafer Jr., 21 years old, died in France where he served as a tank driver with the Seventh Army. Junior, as he was known here, entered service about two years ago, took his training at camp Campbell, Ky., and went overseas 15 months ago. He took part in the action against the enemy in Italy and the invasion of southern France.

As was stated in a recent issue of The Courier-Tribune, Junior was injured in September and received the Purple Heart and other citations for meritorious service. the last letter his parents received from him was written January 20 and it is believed he returned to active service about that time after several weeks hospitalization in France.

Sgt. Schafer grew to manhood in Seneca and attended Sts. Peter and Paul School. He was a quiet youth. He drove a truck for August Wichman for several months before going into service. Besides his parents he is survived by four sisters, Mrs. Bernice McEchron, Mrs. Charlotte VanValkenburgh, Wichita, and Jackie Lou and Doris Jean of the home. His paternal grandmother, Mrs. Louisa Lamping, Omaha, also survives.

Mr. and Mrs. Schafer are in Wichita this week with their daughter, Mrs. VanValkenburgh, who had an operation. The sad news was delivered to them at their daughter’s home.

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The Courier Tribune

22 Feb 1945

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News of Men and Women in Uniform

Tankmen of 7th Army Use “Watch My Tracer” Method

From Europe comes information about a tank division of the Seventh Army in France, in which Frank Schafer, JR., Seneca, served. Las week the Seneca youth was reported killed in action.

The article is as follows: In combat there are those times when

(continued on page 2)

in confusion of mortars, shells, machine guns and mines, the rule book is tossed out and the tankman’s individual initiative and ingenuity count above all. On the other hand there are the times when they have the mixed-up feeling as to whether it is actual combat they are in, or a well rehearsed maneuver in which they are following the rules tot he letter as set down by the book.

Such an incident occurred on the Seventh Army front recently. the 756th Tank Battalion was playing the old training game of “Watch my tracer.”

On one tank, an infantry captain was acting as target marker. HE would see a Kraut machine gun nest and shoot at it once with his rifle. Sgt. Frank M. Schafer, Seneca, would spin the turret of his tank so that it was as near in line with the rifle’s tracer as possible. the gunner would be ready with his sights and about the time the turret got round, the captain would let another tracer fly, enabling the gunner to get an exact bead on the target and the tank would blast forth. They moved steadily forward, picking off the machine gun nest like clockwork, while other tanks were having equal success with the old training game. there were 13 machine gun nests knocked out, the better part of 200 Germans captured or killed and the town which had been the objective was captured.

No mention of Sgt. Schafer’s death was made in the article which was passed for publication February 7, 1945.

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Courier Tribune

8 Mar 1945

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Chaplain Writes of Death of Sgt. Frank M. Schafer

Following is a letter received Tuesday from Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Ralph J. Smith by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schafer, Seneca, in regard to the death of their son, Sgt. Frank M. Schafer, January 25th in France. The letter reads as follows:

“As Division Chaplain of the Third Infantry Division to which Frank M. Schafer was attached at the time of death. I am writing to you to offer my deepest sympathy. Frank was commanding a tank in an attack on enemy positions in Northeastern France. As his tank approached a wooded area he raised his head above the turret that he might see better. A sniper’s bullet struck him in the head killing him instantly. Frank was buried in a beautifully located and well-kept cemetery. I myself held the service.

“Frank was a very capable and determined tank commander. He was well liked by all the men of his company. Upon one occasion, he was complimented by n Infantry battalion commander for the excellent manner in which he commanded his tank in battle. Frank paid a great price that we as a free people might continue to enjoy all those things that make life worth living. Not only our nation, but also our very civilization is deeply indebted to him — a debt we can never repay. Surely God in His infinite mercy has given him the reward he so well deserved.

I assure you that I shall remember your loved one in all my Masses to my dying day. As for yourself, may God grant that our courage in bearing your bereavement be as great as that of your son in the performance of his duty.” the letter was signed, Ralph J. Smith.

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Courier Tribune

1 April 1948

page 1

Body of Sgt. Schafer to U.S.

Arrives on Army Transport Robert F. Burns

The Kansas City quartermaster depot has announced that the body of the late Sergeant Frank M. Schafer, Seneca, is arriving in the port of New York aboard the United States Army Transport Robert F. Burns, and accompanied by appropriate military escort, will be forwarded through the American Graves distribution Center at Kansas City to Seneca for final interment.

It was stated that a period of two weeks is expected to elapse after arrival of the transport before remains are started from the Kansas City Center to the final destination, and that forwarding of bodies will continue from that time over a period of six weeks. Next of kin will be notified in time to make final plans for services, tiw as stated.

At Seneca the Lauer funeral home represents the Schafer family in handling of details.

Sergeant Schafer is the first Seneca boy whose body has been brought from abroad, though, others have been connected with families of this community.

Sgt. Schafer was killed in action January 25, 1945 in southern France. He was holder of the purple heart and commendations before he met death. His body is being returned from the U.S. military cemetery at Epinal, France.

Sgt. Schafer is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schafer Sr., Seneca, and is survived by his parents and four sisters, Misses Doris and Jacqueline of the home, Mrs. Bernice McEchron of Wichita and Mrs. Charlotte VanValkenburgh, Manhattan.

The Kansas City Star of Monday night carried a list of men whose bodies are being returned. On the transport John L. McCarley, was the body of S/Sgt. Earl J. Meyer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Meyer of Sabetha. Sgt. Meyer was killed in the St. Lo area leading his platoon in an attack July 23, 1944.

Another Connection Here

Also arriving on the Transport Robert F. Burns was the body of Sgt. Michael Campbell, son of Edward Campbell of Hoxie, Kansas.

Sgt. Campbell was a nephew of Mrs. Walter Backer and of Mrs. Ben Macke of Seneca, his mother now deceased, having been a sister of the two Seneca women.

Sgt. Campbell was in an infantry unit, was killed in the same battle and on the same day as Sgt. Schaffer. It is not believed that the two sergeants knew each other but their mothers were girlhood friends.

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Courier Tribune

26 April 1948

page 1

Service Here on Friday

For Sergeant Schafer

First of War Dead to Be Brought Home — Full Military Honors

The Seneca community will honor the first of its war dead to be returned from overseas Friday morning of this week, when services will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul church for sergeant Frank M. Schafer, who was killed in action in southern France on January 25, 1945.

The hour of the service Friday morning at Sts. Peter and Paul church is at 9:30.

The body is to arrive in Seneca accompanied by military escort, by train, at about 11:30 Wednesday morning. It will be taken to the Lauer funeral home, and Rosary services will be held there Wednesday evening at 8:00 and again Thursday evening at 8:00.

On Friday morning the body will be taken from the funeral home to the church with military escort, and after the service at the church, full military honors will be accorded at Sts. Peter and Paul cemetery.

In order that service men of the community may have time to dress before hour of the service and so that they may be sure of having enough time for the complete service, Mayor Gene Toby is asking a full tow hour closing of Seneca places of business. The matter has been discussed at meetings of Seneca Chamber of Commerce directors, who felt the same honor should be given all service men whose bodies are returned and the city was found in full accord. It is little enough to do for those who gave their lives that the American way of life might go on. The business men want a complete closing — no backdoor trade going on. Everyone who possibly can should attend the service. V.F.W. and Legion heads call attention that the same thing applies to the farming community — that though it may be a busy time, the reason that they can follow their peaceful pursuits is because of sacrifices made by such young men as Frank Schafer Jr., and that a few hours in honor will be one way of showing appreciation.

Since the body is to be taken from the Lauer Funeral Home in time for the service at the church at 9:30, Seneca American Legion members and V.F.W. members are being asked to assemble at the funeral home no later than 9:15. They are asked to wear their service uniforms, or V.F.W. or Legion caps.

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Courier Tribune

3 May 1948

page 1

Fitting Tribute to Sgt. Schafer

Community Pays Honor Friday Morning

Sgt. Frank M. Schafer, who gave his life in France, was laid to rest in the soil of home Friday morning amid fitting ceremonies in his honor.

At Sts. Peter and Paul church, Rev. Egbert Hall, O.S.B. offered the requiem mass and preceded it wit a sermon in which he called attention to the sacrifice that Sergeant Schafer had made for others. The pastor noted that while mankind ought to be able to settle its differences in peace, that there have always been enemies of liberty; men who tried to rule without God. Liberty has always been something that must be earned.

The church was filled with relatives and friends, many of them former service men. The body had been accompanied to the church from the Lauer funeral home, by color guard, by a special honor escort as due Sergeant Schafer’s rank and a group of former service men marched in procession. It was estimated over 200 ex-service men joined in the tribute.

At Sts. Peter and Paul cemetery, a committal service was conducted and Rev. Steve Parker, Legion and V.F.W. chaplain, gave a short review of Sergeant Schafer’s service history. A firing squad fired three volleys and “Taps” followed, with Allan Hein playing at the graveside and E.A. Grollmes playing the answering echo.

The day was beautiful and clear at the time of the ceremony. As former service men stood at salute or attention near the grave, the Flag and the banners of Legion and V.F.W. rustled in the breeze, seemed to be taking a part.

Service organizations were pleased with the community’s response in closing two hours for the ceremony. Closing of Seneca places of business was virtually one hundred per cent.

The active pallbearers Friday were Norbert Bergman, Frank Rusche III, Glenn Rusche, Kenneth Nicholson, Glen Diggs, Justin Altenhofen, Harold Becker, George Luginbill. The honorary pallbearers were William Kokenge Jr. Albert Wessel, Donald Luhmkuhl, Carroll Winterscheidt, Joseph F. Strathman, Quentin Ronnebaum, James Koelzer and Wilbur Kramer.

Out-of-town friends and relatives attending the service included Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McEchron and children, Wichita; Mr. and Mrs. E. B. VanValkenburgh, Manhattan; Mrs. Mary Broxterman and family, Baileyville; Mrs. Anna Runnebaum and family, Axtell; Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Carlin and children of Irving; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smith, Wheaton; Mrs. A. O. Peterson and Miss Louise Lamping, Omaha; Dale, Bob and Harold Lamping, and Don Strohmeyer of Lawrence; Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Carlin, Frankfort.

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Sabetha Herald

21 Feb 1945

Page 1

Killed in Action.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schafer, Seneca, have received word that their son, Sgt. Frank Schafer was killed in action in France, January 14, at the age of 25 years and 6 months. Frank was inducted into the army in October, 1942, leaving for overseas duty in February, 1943. He first saw action in North Africa, then in Sicily and Italy, and in the invasion of France in June 1944. He was a tank commander and was holder of the Purple Heart.

Before entering service he was employed in defense work in California. He attended school in Seneca and graduated from the St. Peter and Paul high school with the class of 1938. Besides his parents, he leaves four brothers, Sgt. Clarence of Fort Knox, Ky., Sgt. Bernard of Camp Polk, La., Johnnie of the home and Pvt. Joe, who is in the army in Belgium; and four sisters, Mrs. Arthur Ronnebaum, Seneca, Mrs. George Haug, Wetmore, Mrs. Elmer Wilhelm, Seneca, and Mary Ann of the home.

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Yes, there was a significant tank battle in southern France on September 12, 1944. The most prominent engagement was near the town of Dompaire, in the Lorraine region—a part of southern/eastern France—where French armored forces (General Leclerc’s 2nd Armored Division) supported by U.S. air power decisively defeated the German 112th Panzer Brigade. The fighting started on September 12 and continued into September 13. The French, equipped with Sherman tanks, coordinated closely with American P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft, inflicting severe losses: over 60 German tanks were destroyed, with only a handful managing to escape the battlefield. This engagement is often cited as a classic example of air-ground coordination and armored warfare during the liberation of France.youtube

Elsewhere in southern France on that date, U.S. and French forces continued operations after the official end of the southern France campaign (Operation Dragoon), which had liberated most of the region by September 12, 1944. While fighting in southern France was winding down overall, the Dompaire tank battle stands out as a major armored clash coinciding with your date and location.drwalt

In summary:

Yes, there was a major tank battle in southern France on September 12, 1944—near Dompaire.
Combatants: French 2nd Armored Division (with U.S. air support) vs. German 112th Panzer Brigade.
Outcome: Decisive Allied victory, heavy German tank losses, and significant strategic impact for the liberation of France.youtubedrwalt

In summary:

Yes, there was a major tank battle in southern France on September 12, 1944—near Dompaire.
Combatants: French 2nd Armored Division (with U.S. air support) vs. German 112th Panzer Brigade.
Outcome: Decisive Allied victory, heavy German tank losses, and significant strategic impact for the liberation of France.youtubedrwalt

ROOTSWEB

https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~conniesfamily/genealogy/military.html

IOP News (Iowa Ordnance Plant), Thursday, June 10, 1943 Page 3

Bus Driver Has three Sons in Service – Frank Schafer, who has driven a bus on the Sullivan lines from Muscatine to Iowa Ordnance Plant for the past ten months, is the father of three servicemen. Mr. Schafer was employed as a melt operator on Line III before taking over his job as bus driver for the Sullivan Company. Bobbie Schafer was formerly employed by Guthrie-Johnson in plant construction work, and later transferred to he Concrete Materials Construction company for whom he worked as government checker. He was inducted into the Army at Camp Dodge Aug. 19, 1942, and reported for active duty Sept. 2, 1942. He received six weeks’ basic raining at Camp Joseph G. Robinson, Ark., and was transferred from there to Fort Slocum, N.Y.,where he was stationed until being sent to an undisclosed destination overseas. Bobbie is married and is the proud papa of a three-months-old son, Kenneth Ross, whom he has not seen. Richard Schafer was employed by Day & Zimmerman Inc. as office clerk until December 1942, when he enlisted in the U.S. marines. He received his boot training at San Diego, Calif., and has been transferred recently to Memphis, Tenn., where he is attending radio school. Rex Schafer is the youngest in the family and was last to leave for the Army, reporting for duty at Camp Dodge on March 23, 1942 (1943). He is stationed at the present time at Camp Haan, Calif., where he is receiving anti-aircraft training at the air corps.