Frederick Franklin was born in 1840 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He enlisted in the United States Navy and was assigned to the USS Colorado. During his service, he took part in the Korean Expedition of 1871, a military action sparked by the disappearance of a U.S. merchant ship and aimed at establishing diplomatic relations.

On June 11, 1871, during the attack and capture of the Korean forts on Ganghwa Island, Franklin’s unit faced a critical leadership gap. When Lieutenant Hugh McKee was mortally wounded during the assault, Franklin immediately stepped up to fill the void.

Despite his rank as a Quartermaster, he assumed command of Company D. He successfully led the company through the heat of the engagement, handling the unit with “great credit” and maintaining tactical order until he was officially relieved. For his gallantry and decisive leadership under fire, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Franklin died shortly after his service years at the age of 33.