Frank Jacob Hagen, Junior, was born in San Jose, California, March 24, 1895. He moved to Tonopah, Nye County, Nevada, with his parents in 1914. Mining claimed his attention between that time and the date of his entrance into the military service and he was employed at different times in the Belmont and McNamara Mines. In July, 1917, he endeavored to enlist in the Navy but was rejected because of injuries received that same year in a cave-in in the Belmont Mine. On April 26th, 1918, he was called in a Nye County contingent, going first to Camp Lewis, American Lake, Washington. He was assigned to Company E, 364th Infantry of the 91st Division and accompanied that division to France in July, 1918. They went into action on September 26th, in the Meuse-Argonne sector.

On the 28th they passed Epinonville and Eclisfontaine, suffering heavy losses in the face of shell and machine gun fire. Among the many Nevada boys who fell that day was Private Hagen of Tonopah, who died in the advance near Eclisfontaine. He lies now in the Arlington National Cemetery. The Reverend Bryant Wilson, Chaplain of the 364th Infantry, wrote to the boy’s parents telling them of his bravery in battle. In conclusion, he wrote: “The deeds in which your son took such an honorable part will be written large on the pages of history, and future generations shall rise up and call him blessed because of his unselfish giving of his life for the redemption of this world from injustice and barbarity. And you at home shall share in this high and sacrificial honor. May God, the source of all peace and consolation, be your comfort and stay.” The soldier leaves, besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Hagen of Tonopah, Nevada, three sisters, Mrs. Elise Sundby; Mrs. Clara Franzen, and Miss Louise Hagen of Tonopah; and a brother, W. E. Hagen, also of Tonopah.