The father of Ian “Frank” Tortorici announced that his son was killed by a Russian collaborator while serving in Ukraine’s International Legion. (Photo: Jon Frank)

Jon Frank, the father of U.S. Marine Veteran Ian “Frank” Tortorici of Lake Forest, California, announced that his son was killed on June 27 by Russian forces while off duty.

Tortorici, 32, quietly joined Ukraine’s International Legion soon after the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine last February. Engaged to a Ukrainian medic, and intent on defending her homeland from undue Russian aggression and corruption, Tortorici had been serving on the frontlines for 15 months before he was placed on leave sometime in June.

While dining at a restaurant somewhere removed from the front, a Russian collaborator reportedly called in a missile strike that took out the entire building, killing Tortorici. 

In a Facebook post honoring his son, Jon Frank said Ian “was not a mercenary but a contracted member of the Ukrainian Army with the International Legion and a U.S. Flag over his heart. He was a U.S. Marine, Park Service Ranger, and ICE agent; a son, a brother, and uncle. And he gave up a lucrative and comfortable life to prevent WWIII.

“He was the most selfless, bravest, kindest, unassuming and off-center person on the planet and hated for anyone to know it. His name was Ian Frank Tortorici, my middle son.”

Ian Tortorici joins a growing number of American Veterans who have sacrificed their lives or well-being to defend Ukraine against Russia’s unjustified invasion.

Ian “Frank” Tortorici served in Ukraine’s International Legion for over 15 months before he was killed by Russian forces while off-duty. (Photo: Jon Frank)

Author: Christian Southards

Coming from a family with a proud military background and wanting to contribute his writing skills to a worthy cause, Christian began writing for the California American Legion in August of 2020. His father is a 25-year Army Veteran and his grandfather served in the Navy during Vietnam.