Frank A. Di Figlia, Lt. Colonel, USAF (KIA)
February 10, 1925 – March 26, 1969

He was a Vietnam War Era casualty on March 26, 1969. 

★ He served with honor in the United States Air Force as a UH-1F/P helicopter pilot with the 20th Special Operations Squadron.

Frank Anthony Di Figlia was born on February 10, 1925. According to our records California was his home or enlistment state and Los Angeles County included within the archival record. We have Burbank listed as the city.

He had enlisted in the Air Force. Entered via Reserve Military. Served during the Vietnam War. He began his tour on April 16, 1968. He had the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Occupation or specialty was Helicopter Pilot. Served with 7th Air Force, 14th Special Operations Wing, 20th Special Operations Squadron.

Di Figlia experienced a traumatic event which resulted in loss of life on March 26, 1969. Recorded circumstances attributed to: “Died through hostile action, air crash on land”. Incident location: South Vietnam, Khanh Hoa province.

Frank Anthony Di Figlia had begun his service as an aviation cadet during World War II and served during the Korean War and in Vietnam.

He was a Commanding Officer and was killed in action in Vietnam when his helicopter crashed and burned while returning from a combat mission. He was just two weeks away from returning home after 22 years of service to his country.

On March 26, 1969 the UH-1 #63-13158 of the 20th SOS went down. While hostile fire was the suspected cause, the only certainties are that the aircraft was flying at about 4,000 feet when a severe vibration began. The pilot began an auto-rotation to earth, but control was lost during the descent. The main rotor came apart, severing the tail boom

We identified 7 casualties in our archive that might be related to the #63-13158 incident on March 26, 1969.

◼Antonio L. Alho :: Air Crewman

◼Walter C. Booth :: Aircraft Maintenance

◼Jesse C. Bowman :: Aerial Gunner

◼Frank A Di Figlia :: Helicopter Pilot

◼Robert W. Fields :: Physician, Medical

◼Donald G. Lepard :: Pilot, Commanding

◼Joseph B. Levesque :: Pilot, Commandin

Frank Anthony Di Figlia is buried or memorialized at San Fernando Mission Cemetery, Mission Hills, Los Angeles County, California.

Frank is honored on the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington DC. Name inscribed at VVM Wall, Panel 28w, Line 44.

COMMENDATIONS

★ Purple Heart★ United States Aviator Badge★ World War II Victory Medal★ American Campaign Medal★ Korean Service Medal★ National Defense Service Medal★ Republic of Korea Presidential Citation★ Republic of Korea War Service Medal★ United Nations Service Medal★ Vietnam Campaign Medal★ Vietnam Service Medal★ Air Force Presidential Unit Citation★ Vietnam Gallantry Cross★ Air Force Good Conduct Medal