[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 145 (Friday, September 8, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING EUGENE ``GENE'' FRANCK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ERIC SWALWELL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 8, 2023

  Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Chief Warrant Officer 
2 Eugene ``Gene'' E. Franck for his service that went above and beyond 
the call of duty in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
  Gene was born in Berkeley, California, growing up in Albany with his 
family. As a child, Gene had always wanted to be a pilot, following in 
the footsteps of uncles who had flown for the military.
  After he graduated high school, Gene enrolled at San Jose State 
University where he joined the Air Force ROTC on campus and pursued a 
degree in Aeronautical Operations to become a pilot. During his 
sophomore year of college, Gene decided to drop a class, becoming a 
``part-time'' student eligible for the draft. Within a month, he 
received his draft letter. Remaining committed to his dream of becoming 
a pilot, Gene joined the United States Army, completing basic training 
at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and graduating from flight school at the top 
of his class in June 1968.
  On January 31, 1969, Gene was sent overseas as part of the first 
contingent stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam. With the call sign ``Spider 
Man,'' Gene served with the ``Ghost Riders,'' a Company 158th Assault 
Helicopter Battalion. By March 1969, Gene regularly flew UH-1H Huey 
aircrafts to carry out combat assaults and transport supplies to local 
infantry units, flying approximately 100 hours a month.
  On November 18, 1969, Firebase Fuller, located atop Dong Ha Mountain, 
received enemy fire, critically injuring 3 men. Due to extreme cloud 
cover and poor visibility, the requested medevac units could not reach 
Firebase Fuller. After hearing a desperate call for anyone to evacuate 
the injured, Gene decided to risk his life and rescue the men. With 
only 40 feet of visibility and verbal radio directions from a 
Lieutenant on the ground, Gene safely landed and transported the 
injured to the USS Repose and an Army hospital in Quang Tri.
  Gene returned to the U.S. in February of 1970. Just 1 week later, he 
married his wife, Noreen. They had 2 children, Chad, and Lisa. Gene 
returned to civilian life in Pleasanton, working at Pacific Bell 
Telephone Company for 27 years ascending from non-management personnel 
up to an executive at the time of his retirement in the late 1990s. He 
lost Noreen to cancer on October 6, 2008, after 39 years of marriage. 
He later married his current wife, Kay, and together they enjoy 
golfing, traveling, and spending time with his 6 wonderful 
grandchildren.
  Gene exemplifies the Army Aviation motto, ``above the best.'' His 
bravery and courage went above and beyond, saving the lives of injured 
soldiers and countless others through the vital supplies he transported 
overseas. May we continue to honor and thank him for his sacrifice for 
our country.

                          ____________________