On
April 29, 1993 Frank was traditionally wetted down after his final test
flight in the B-2 Bomber and the F-16. The following day at his retirement
ceremony, he relinquished command of the 65 10th Test Group at Edwards
Air Force Base. The most highly decorated Air Force pilot at the time
of his retirement, he left the 2,000 member B-2 Test Wing with a legacy
of leadership, friendship, and camaraderie. Only Frank's wife, Connie,
and three children, John, 17; Margaret, 15; and Catherine, 13, received
more love and devotion than his work in test flight. He had encouraged
Connie in her recent return to teaching, and had found great joy in
watching John's basketball games and supporting Margaret's and Catherine's
gymnastic competitions. Connie and the children were his greatest source
of joy, and he was mindful of the sacrifices they made during his distinguished
military career. Two days after retiring from the Air Force, Frank joined
Rockwell International as a senior test pilot. He joined a team testing
a prototype jet trainer under development for the Air Force and Navy.
Following three weeks of various tests, he was asked to fly a low-level
stability test north of Munich, Germany in late July. Because of a mechanical
flaw, and design problems, the plane could not be controlled and during
a rapid descent, Frank was forced to eject. Every family member who
was able traveled to Germany to be at Frank's bedside for six days before
his death. One of his three younger brothers, Harold, ensured Frank's
safe return to the United States and to the Academy, where it was Frank's
wish to be buried. Frank's family, along with many Air Force friends,
arranged a beautiful and moving funeral and burial, which included a
flyover of two B-1s, just one of the many planes Frank played a role
in developing. Frank loved the Academy and the Air Force. His career
included flights in 65 different aircraft, two tours and more than 800
combat missions during the Vietnam War. He earned two Distinguished
Flying Crosses, two Silver Stars, 27 Air Medals, and the Purple Heart,
among others. He was also awarded the Laotian Order of the Elephants
from the King of Laos, that country's highest honor, which only two
other Americans have ever received. In addition, he has been posthumously
awarded his second Aerial Achievement Medal. Characteristically, though,
Frank's modesty kept him from discussing these recognitions, and it
was only after his death that we learned the depth of love and respect
which his colleagues hold for him. Their remembrances revealed to us
the full measure of Frank's humanity. As one friend later wrote, "We
came to know that some human beings actually have imitated their Creator
and that this is what the rest of us are called to do.'' A quarter century
ago, we watched proudly from the Academy stadium as Frank graduated
with the Class of 1968. The honor of that moment stood sharp in contrast
to the turmoil our nation was experiencing at the time. It was sadly
wrenching that the next time we would share with Frank the beauty of
Colorado Springs and the Academy would be at his funeral. We will miss
Frank, our husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He believed in
living each day fully, as if he might risk squandering the gifts God
gave him. From that memory we will gather our strength. Frank was a
member of the Association of Graduates. Friends and colleagues wishing
to remember Frank are asked to do so through the association, where
a boardroom chair and plaque have been reserved in his name.
On
April 29, 1993 Frank was traditionally wetted down after his final test
flight in the B-2 Bomber and the F-16. The following day at his retirement
ceremony, he relinquished command of the 65 10th Test Group at Edwards
Air Force Base. The most highly decorated Air Force pilot at the time
of his retirement, he left the 2,000 member B-2 Test Wing with a legacy
of leadership, friendship, and camaraderie. Only Frank's wife, Connie,
and three children, John, 17; Margaret, 15; and Catherine, 13, received
more love and devotion than his work in test flight. He had encouraged
Connie in her recent return to teaching, and had found great joy in
watching John's basketball games and supporting Margaret's and Catherine's
gymnastic competitions. Connie and the children were his greatest source
of joy, and he was mindful of the sacrifices they made during his distinguished
military career. Two days after retiring from the Air Force, Frank joined
Rockwell International as a senior test pilot. He joined a team testing
a prototype jet trainer under development for the Air Force and Navy.
Following three weeks of various tests, he was asked to fly a low-level
stability test north of Munich, Germany in late July. Because of a mechanical
flaw, and design problems, the plane could not be controlled and during
a rapid descent, Frank was forced to eject. Every family member who
was able traveled to Germany to be at Frank's bedside for six days before
his death. One of his three younger brothers, Harold, ensured Frank's
safe return to the United States and to the Academy, where it was Frank's
wish to be buried. Frank's family, along with many Air Force friends,
arranged a beautiful and moving funeral and burial, which included a
flyover of two B-1s, just one of the many planes Frank played a role
in developing. Frank loved the Academy and the Air Force. His career
included flights in 65 different aircraft, two tours and more than 800
combat missions during the Vietnam War. He earned two Distinguished
Flying Crosses, two Silver Stars, 27 Air Medals, and the Purple Heart,
among others. He was also awarded the Laotian Order of the Elephants
from the King of Laos, that country's highest honor, which only two
other Americans have ever received. In addition, he has been posthumously
awarded his second Aerial Achievement Medal. Characteristically, though,
Frank's modesty kept him from discussing these recognitions, and it
was only after his death that we learned the depth of love and respect
which his colleagues hold for him. Their remembrances revealed to us
the full measure of Frank's humanity. As one friend later wrote, "We
came to know that some human beings actually have imitated their Creator
and that this is what the rest of us are called to do.'' A quarter century
ago, we watched proudly from the Academy stadium as Frank graduated
with the Class of 1968. The honor of that moment stood sharp in contrast
to the turmoil our nation was experiencing at the time. It was sadly
wrenching that the next time we would share with Frank the beauty of
Colorado Springs and the Academy would be at his funeral. We will miss
Frank, our husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He believed in
living each day fully, as if he might risk squandering the gifts God
gave him. From that memory we will gather our strength. Frank was a
member of the Association of Graduates. Friends and colleagues wishing
to remember Frank are asked to do so through the association, where
a boardroom chair and plaque have been reserved in his name.
