Frank Gaffney

Frank J. Gaffney, Jr. (born April 5, 1953) is an American political commentator and a proponent of conspiracy theories. He is the founder and president of the Center for Security Policy, a group that has been described as an "extremist think tank" by The Hill.

Early life

Gaffney was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1953 to Virginia Gaffney (née Reed). His father, Frank J. Gaffney, was a classical music aficionado and long-time partner at the law firm of Thorp, Reed & Armstrong (merged in 2013 with Clark Hill PLC), which was founded by his wife's father, Earl Reed. Frank J. Gaffney Sr.'s father, Joseph Gaffney, was a city solicitor of Philadelphia who became an object of controversy in early 20th century Philadelphia due to his Catholic faith; nativist Protestant groups in the city alleged Catholics were conspiring to seize control of American institutions and rewrite American history.

In 1975, Gaffney graduated from the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service of Georgetown University. He received his graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University's Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies.

Frank Gaffney (Medal of Honor)

Frank Joseph Gaffney (December 18, 1883–May 25, 1948) was a soldier in the United States Army who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War I. He was considered "the second bravest man in the U. S. Army."

Biography

Gaffney was born December 18, 1883 in Buffalo, New York. He died May 25, 1948, and is buried in United German and French Cemetery Buffalo, New York.

27th Division commander Major General John F. O'Ryan reportedly called PFC Gaffney "the human hurricane." PFC Gaffney also received the British Distinguished Conduct Medal, the French Croix de Guerre and Médaille militaire, and the Montenegrin Medal for Military Bravery. Gaffney, who was known as "the second bravest man in the U. S. Army," later lost his left arm in fighting at St. Souplet on October 15.

Medal of Honor citation

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company G, 108th Infantry, 27th Division. Place and date: Near Ronssoy, France, 29 September 1918. Entered service at: Niagara Falls, N.Y. Birth: Buffalo, N.Y. G.O. No.: 20, W.D., 1919.