Roll Call Tribute

Frank William "Bill" Trahan, LTC USA (Ret) 

August 20, 1930 - February 6, 2022 

Frank William Trahan, a retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel, was born on August 20, 1930, in Houston, Texas.

Nicknamed “Bill” by his friends, he graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Houston in the spring of 1949 and subsequently joined the Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets, Class of 1952, where he pursued a history major in the Liberal Arts College. Initially part of the graduating class of 1953, Bill’s life took a significant turn after three years at Texas A&M. In 1952, he married Sally Anne White of San Antonio, Texas. However, financial constraints necessitated his return to Houston to support his new family.
During this period, Bill enrolled at the University of Houston, balancing full-time work with his studies. He continued his pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, graduating from the University of Houston in June 1954 on the first birthday of his child and simultaneously receiving his United States Army Reserve commission in the signal corps. Bill remained in service for the next 32 years, distinguished and honorable, including three combat tours in Vietnam during which he was awarded the Air Medal and two Bronze Star medals.

On February 6, 2022, LTC (Ret) Frank William Trahan passed away. He was interred in Arlington National Cemetery in August 2023. He is survived by six of his seven children, including Colonel (Ret) Michael W. Trahan, Class of 1975, twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.