Francis J Lacina
US Army-Korean War
1933 - 2013
Francis J. Lacina, Born 1/1/1933, was Johnson County’s 1933 New Years Baby. He was the son of George and Lavina (Winkel) Lacina. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1951.
He enlisted with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and completed Boot Camp training at Camp Rucker, Alabama. Fran was a machine gun instructor until he was served papers that he was being transferred overseas to Korea. He then completed wiring school. His most significant duty assignment was the 2nd Base Post Office APO 707. He rode the train to pick up the mail and brought it back to base, sorted and distributed at SIF(FEC) Eta Jima, APO 354. He also ran the movie theater on base. His 2 week R & R was to Japan.
Released from duty in Dec. 1954, he returned to the home farm. On Feb. 8, 1956 he married Rita (Lorack). Together in their 56 years of marriage, they raised 3 children; Diane, Thomas (Tom) and Elaine (Pacha) on their farm near West Branch, IA…..”Living the good Life”
Francis attained the rank of Corporal and earned the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Good Conduct Medal.
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