Frank Greenwood was born in Methuen, Massachusetts, on 10 January 1915 and enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve on 17 July 1940. He was later appointed Midshipman, received training at the Naval Reserve Midshipman's School, and commissioned on 12 December 1940. Lieutenant (j.g.) Greenwood was killed 12 November 1942 when his ship Erie (PG-50) was torpedoed while on convoy duty in the Caribbean.