Frank Iodice was born in Georgia. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on October 11, 1965, and completed basic training at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina, in December 1965. Pvt Iodice next completed infantry training at MCB Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in January 1966, followed by Basic Combat Engineer training at Camp Lejeune in March 1966. His first assignment was as a combat engineer and water supply specialist with the Engineer Support Company and then Company B, 2nd Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division at Camp Lejeune from March 1966 to April 1967, followed by service as a water supply specialist with Headquarters & Service Company, 3rd SP Battalion of the 3rd Marine Division in South Vietnam from April 1967 to January 1968. Cpl Iodice then served with the 3rd Combined Action Group of III Marine Amphibious Force in South Vietnam from January 1968 until he was captured and taken as a Prisoner of War on May 30, 1968. He managed to escape from his captors two days later, on June 1, 1968, and he then returned to the United States and served as an instructor with Headquarters Squadron, Marine Wing Headquarters Group 2 of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, from July 1968 until he left active duty on October 10, 1969. Sgt Iodice received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps Reserve on August 5, 1971.