Private Frank Podzimek was a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He went through basic training and was placed in the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP). He was told he would be part of an 'elite' group that would be trained to be occupation officers in Europe after th War. Through the program he recieved training at several colleges including Stanford University. However, in mid-1944 the program was disbanded and the participants placed in combat units.

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Podzimek was shipped to Europe where he saw action in the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded, treated, and sent back to the front line. He fought until the end of the war in Europe, receiving a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

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After the end of hostilities in Europe, he was transferred to guard duty at Camp Algona. From there he was sent to the branch camps at Toledo, Iowa and Ada, Minnesota. He also spent time escorting PWs from America back to Europe before he was discharged in February of 1946.