Edward Franklin Swift was born on October 23, 1921 to Guy and Helen Swift of Caln, Pennsylvania. Edward was one of ten children. His father was born in England and worked as a machinist for the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Edward attended the Thorndale Consolidated School and later worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Edward entered service in the Army on May 13, 1942. While stationed at Camp Ruby in Texas, he married Pearl Elizabeth of Levingston, Texas.

Sergeant Edward Franklin Swift was Killed In Action January 28, 1945 in Hosi, Burma. He is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. 

Pearl gave birth to Edward Jr. while Edward was serving his country. He never met his son.

Edward's brother, Howard also server during WWII, in the European Theater.