#VeteranOfTheDay Marine Veteran Frank Tharin

Marine Veteran Frank Tharin was born in Washington, D.C., in October 1910 but went on to become a resident of Laguna Beach, California. Tharin graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1934 and began his service in the Marine Corps as a naval aviator in 1937. He served throughout World War II and later graduated from the National War College in 1954.

During his military career, Tharin served across the U.S. in Washington D.C., North Carolina, Florida, Colorado, California and, most notably, Hawaii. He was credited with destroying several aircraft as a pilot and aiding in the destruction of an enemy destroyer. He fought as a pilot for 17 days at the Battle of Wake Island, where he sustained shrapnel wounds. However, despite their efforts, the island fell on Dec. 23, 1941, and Tharin and other U.S. military personnel were captured by Japan.

For four years, Tharin was held in prison camps in Shanghai, Kiangwan and Fengtai, China; Fusan, Korea; and Hokkaido, Japan. Other prisoners noted that Tharin was assigned as mess officer and coordinated the meals for himself and 1,600 other prisoners often on the brink of starvation. Fellow prisoner Brig. Gen. John Kinney said Tharin would often sneak extra food to sick prisoners and would do all he could to protect them when necessary. Tharin and other U.S. prisoners were freed on Sept. 14, 1945.

After graduating from the National War College, Tharin returned to active duty, commanding the active-duty Marine aircraft wings based in Iwakuni, Japan; Cherry Point, North Carolina; and El Toro, California. At El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, he served as the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing from October 1962 to June 1963. He also served as commanding general of the Marine Corps Air Bases of the Eastern and Western regions. In his last tour, he spent time as Deputy Chief of Staff, Plans and Programs at the Headquarters Marine Corps.

Tharin officially retired from the Marine Corps in 1970 after over 30 years of service and returned home to Orange County. After retirement, he stayed active as a leader for the Boy Scouts of America, the Marine Corps Aviation Association and a naval aviator group called the Golden Eagles.

He was awarded many decorations and medals, including a Silver Star, a Purple Heart, and a Distinguished Flying Cross among others. For his service on Wake Island, he was awarded the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal with the Wake Island Clasp and Silver “W” and many other accolades.

Tharin died in 1990 after being hospitalized in San Rafael, California. He was 79.

We honor his service.

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Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay

Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.

It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.

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America250

VA is highlighting 250 Veterans leading up to July 4, 2026, which marks 250 years of independence. Learn more about the count down to 250 years of the American spirit at the America 250 web page.

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Writer: Sarah McDonald

Editors: Cate Manning, Mary Margaret Brennan

Researcher: John Bergstrom

Graphic Designer: Kiki Kelley