Camp Courageous is saddened by the passing of 100-year-old Frank Smith, primarily from Hopkinton, IA.  Frank loved big bands and was a loyal follower of Leo Greco, Jim Busta (Jim recently passed), and when all the band leaders would gather for their annual dance, Frank was there.  Loved being invited into discussions with Frank and Roman Welter…two dear friends.  One always came away more enlightened, after a visit with Frank.  Jim showered the camp with gifts over the years, and had a particular interest in flowers and things off the Camp’s needs list.  Frank shared many stories of his time in WWII.  Frank was 100% Marine.  When WWII started, Frank was drafted and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on February 17, 1943.  Then deployed, he served as a communication linesman in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, fighting on Roi and Namur islands and on Saipan where he was wounded in action. He was returned to combat and participated in the landing and capture of Tinian in the Marshall Islands.  Franks final battle was on the island of Iwo Jima, where he was wounded again, and he observed the flag raising on Mount Suribachi.  At the conclusion of this battle, Frank was evacuated back to the US Naval Hospital in Idaho where he spent 6 months in recovery from his wounds, before being discharged in Nov. 1945. He was awarded 2 purple hearts.  Frank was a kind and caring person who leaves a tremendous legacy…