Frank Cademartori Trains With George Patton in Tennessee

The United States passed the Selective Training and Service Act on September 16, 1940. This meant that all men between 22 and 45 were required to register for the draft. This was the United States first peacetime draft in history.

Frank Anthony Cademartori – of Chicago, Illinois would be 22 years old on March 3, 1941. Like millions of other young men, Frank went to the local draft board to register.

I can not imagine what that felt like — to the boys — to their loved ones — uncertainty is the only word that comes to my mind.

It didn’t take long for Frank’s number to be called. On January 3, 1941, the young man who had been learning to be a tool and dye operator became an employee of the United States Army. His job ended on December 9, 1945, when he was honorably discharged.

Frank A. Cademartori – Chicago, IL
710^th Tank Battalion

But what happened between those two dates —- January 1941 and December 1945? What was Frank’s contribution to World War II? I wish he were here to tell me — to tell us, but he’s gone. I’ll do my best to share his story with the help of his son, Rick.

I sent Rick a Facebook message in July of 2023 after seeing some of his father’s pictures on a Facebook page related to a maneuvers event (not ours) that had been held in Lebanon, TN (Wilson County) and we’ve been chatting ever since.

Frank left the Windy City and headed 6south to Ft. Benning, Georgia for his basic training. That is where the then Colonel George Patton was conducting training with the 2^nd Armored Division.

While there, Frank was trained to drive a tank and became a member of the 710^th Tank Battalion.

On Easter Sunday, April 13,1941 the Army held an Easter Mass and Frank was able to save the event program and snap a few photos.

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Soldiers at Easter Mass – Sunday, April 13, 1941, Ft. Benning, Georgia

Frank wrote on this photo to ensure folks could see Patton.

Two months after this service, Patton’s “Hell on Wheels Division” left the Peach State for the Volunteer State. The 2^nd Armored Division convoyed to Middle Tennessee —– imagine seeing that on your Sunday afternoon drive!

Frank was in that convoy!

Then on June 17, 1941, Patton conducted the Army’s first-ever full Armored Division maneuvers…right here in our backyard!

Every now and then, Frank would let a friend snap a photo of him. As you can see from the writing on the right, this was taken in Georgia.

In my years of research, I was not able to find a person “who saw” Patton during the time he was here in 1941. I bet Frank could tell us some good stories! Wish he were here.

While I’m sad to have never met Frank, I can’t help but smile knowing his Easter program and photos will speak for him.

If you or someone you know has photos from Ft. Benning that include Patton, please send me a message from our Contact page here on this website.

Check back soon for more about Frank’s service and of course, more photos!