U.S. Navy veteran Frank Curre lived through one of history’s most traumatic events: the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Decades later, Frank passed away from a cancer called mesothelioma on the 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack. Read more about Frank’s story of service and see how our team helped him.
Frank joined the U.S. Navy at 17, with World War II raging in Europe. While America had initially tried to stay isolated, history changed forever on December 7, 1941, when Pearl Harbor was bombed — and Frank was there to witness it.
While serving on the USS Tennessee (BB-43) that morning, Frank heard the sound of two blasts. Racing above deck, he saw, in his words, a “god-awful sight”: the USS Arizona (BB-39) sinking, with wounded and dying Navy service members scattered in the water.
Frank sprang into action to rescue survivors, collecting them in barges. He recounted his experiences that day in an interview with NPR.
“What happened on that day is tattooed on your soul. There's no way I can forget that. I wish to God I could.”
But as Frank bravely worked to save the wounded, he unknowingly put his life in danger from a hidden enemy: asbestos exposure.
If you or a veteran you loved developed mesothelioma, get our Free Veterans Kit to see how we can help you access top treatments, VA benefits, and compensation.
Out of all branches of the military, the U.S. Navy used the most asbestos products. Roughly 1 in 3 mesothelioma patients today is a U.S. Navy veteran or shipyard worker as a result.
Virtually all U.S. Navy ships and bases used during World War II were built with asbestos-containing materials.
Frank and his fellow service members didn’t know asbestos was harmful since manufacturers hid the risks for decades.
In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, asbestos dust and fibers flew out into the air, putting brave survivors and those trying to help the wounded in harm's way.
This exposure contributed to Frank’s mesothelioma diagnosis later in life.
Frank remained in the Navy until 1946, when he went to work as a newspaper pressman. This work also exposed him to asbestos, as printing presses used asbestos lining and brake blocks.
After Frank retired, he turned his focus to sharing the history of Pearl Harbor through presentations at schools. But in his late 80s, he began to suffer from respiratory issues and he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.
Deciding against treatment, Frank instead spent his time with loved ones and spreading the history of Pearl Harbor by giving interviews riding in a Veteran’s Day parade.
“He showed determination and strength of character.”
— Linda Lee, daughter of U.S. Navy veteran Frank Curre
Share your story if you or a veteran that you love is fighting mesothelioma by calling (877) 450-8973. We’re here to listen and connect you with VA benefits, treatments, and compensation if you qualify.
Frank had no idea his military service and honest work as a pressman would one day cause him to develop mesothelioma. After Frank’s diagnosis, he sought help from our legal partners, U.S. veteran-founded law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy.
The firm filed a lawsuit on Frank’s behalf to pursue compensation to help him, handling all the work so he and his family didn’t have any extra hassles or stress.
Our partner law firm doesn’t file mesothelioma lawsuits against the U.S. military or government — only manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. Also, U.S veterans can still access VA benefits if they file a lawsuit.
Frank and his family were thankful that justice was served and that the asbestos companies that harmed him were forced to pay mesothelioma compensation.
Get a Free Veterans Kit to learn how filing a lawsuit may benefit you and your family.
Most mesothelioma patients only live a few months without treatment, but Frank lived for over a year. When he passed away on the 70th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attack, his daughter remarked: “It’s like he held on for today, which is his special day.”
While Frank was renowned for his Pearl Harbor stories, he was also known for his optimism and his ability to see every day as a gift.
"One of these days, we shall all lie side by side, as brothers. And for me, personally, I can think of no greater honor on this Earth."
The Mesothelioma Veterans Center team is proud to have helped Frank get justice and to host his story here to inspire other veterans and families currently fighting mesothelioma.
We may be able to assist you or a loved one as well. Get a Free Veterans Kit to learn more about all the ways we help veterans and their loved ones after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
