05/25/2026
The face under the stone- that is what Memorial Day is all about. Honoring the men and women who have sacrificed so much to allow us to live in a free nation today. At Roll-Out, we are thankful today and everyday for our veterans. We'd like to take a moment to share one of their stories. Please share more stories of Veterans that you know- don't let their memory be forgotten.
Francis Metz, known as Pete by friends and family, was raised in the small town of Miranda, SD. In 1940, he married Betty Ford and had a daughter the following year. Francis worked as a rural mail carrier before he was drafted into the US Army.
Francis was sent to Camp Fanin, Texas for 6 weeks of basic training. Before Francis shipped out to fight in Europe, he was able to briefly say goodbye to his wife. While in Europe, Francis and his family sent Victory-Mail back and forth to communicate.
Francis arrived in Belgium with his unit: the 119 infantry 30th division in December 1944. Most hoped the war would end by Christmas as Germany was failing in many offensive attacks. Hi**er was throwing everything he could at the Axis powers. Francis fought in the Battle of the Bulge against one of the last German attacks. It would be in this battle that Francis was Killed in Action. He had been on the front lines for less than a week.
Francis left behind his wife and 3 year old daughter. He was later posthumously awarded a Purple Heart.
Now you know about the face under the stone.
