Franklin Dexter Gaffney Jr. was born on March 2, 1916 to Franklin and Minnie Gaffney who lived in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Franklin was an only child. His father was a farmer.
Franklin had a grammar school education and eventually got a job with the Westmoreland Coal Company.
At some point in his life, Franklin lived in Chester County.
Franklin entered service in the Army on January 26, 1944 and served as Staff Sergeant with the 121st Infantry Regiment, 8th Infantry Division. He was killed in action on December 22, 1944, in Ardennes, France.
Franklin received the Bronze Star for his military service.