Dragna was born in Los Angeles, California. He had a sister Anna Rosalia Dragna, who later married and changed her surname to Niotta. Frank was a USC graduate and World War II veteran who lost an eye in the war and was nicknamed "One Eye" to distinguish him from his cousin who had the same name (his right eye was made of glass). After his return from the war Dragna, a purple heart recipient, resided in San Diego where he owned and managed the Gold Rail bar, which was later taken from him by the IRS as a result of supposed IRS debt related to his father.