- «tab»ABINGTON, PA - LTC Francis L. Horne, Sr., age 91, a resident of Abington, Pennsylvania, died on January 8, 2014. He was born in West Palm Beach, Florida on 24 February 1922.
Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps on 9 July 1942. His first duty assignment was at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in Tuskegee, Alabama. The Tuskegee Army Airfield (TAAF) was the home of the training grounds for hundreds of pilots who later served overseas during World War II. While stationed at Tuskegee, he was assigned to the 318th TAAF Base Unit and the 1155th Single Engine Flying Training unit, serving as an aircraft mechanic's helper and radio repairman. He completed his tour of duty at TAAF in 1945, having attained the rank of Sergeant.
At the conclusion of World War II, he received an honorable discharge from active duty and entered Hampton Institute (now known as Hampton University), in Hampton, Virginia. Upon completion of the Reserve Officers Training Program, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocational Industrial Education.
Francis Horne
«tab»Colonel Horne was recalled to active duty service in 1951 during the Korean War. While on active duty, he completed tours of duty at Fort Bliss, Fort Meade, Moon Run, PA, Niagara Falls, NY, Germany and Korea; retiring from active duty in 1969. After his military retirement, he taught in the Newport News School System for twenty years as an Industrial Arts teacher, retiring in 1987.
Colonel Horne provided over 200 inspirational speeches on the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen; he educated and inspired citizens, young and old with his uplifting recollection of historical events. His presentations were sought after by a myriad of organizations, military units and schools and his efforts have extended to cities throughout the state of Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and New Jersey.
His military education included the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic and Advance Courses, Fort Bliss, Texas; the Army Intelligence School, Europe; and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF), Fort McNair, VA. His awards included the Army Commendation Medal, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
He received various honors and accolades for his contributions to the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. In 2004, he was honored by his hometown of West Palm Beach, FL with a recognition proclamation and key to the city. In January of 2006, he was awarded the Honorable Order of St. Michael Bronze Award by the Army Aviation Association of America. As a Documented Original Tuskegee Airman (DOTA), Colonel Horne and other DOTAs were cited for the Congressional Gold Medal at the U.S. Capital on 29 March 2007 when President Bush conferred this distinct honor on all of the individuals who participated in the Tuskegee Airmen Program.
Colonel Horne was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years Carrie Broxton Horne and is survived by two daughters, Sandra Craig of Atlanta, GA and Michelle Horne of Hampton, VA; a son, Francis L. Horne III, one step-daughter Carrissa Wynder-Sanchez of Abington, PA; two step-sons, Charles A. Wynder, Jr. of Boston, MA and Chris Wynder of Fort Knox, KY; 13 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 9 step-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The funeral service is April 16, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery. Burial will follow immediately after the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to SarahCare of Jenkintown, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, PA 19046.
Arrangements were by Helweg & Rowland Funeral Home, Abington, PA (www.helwegrowlandfh.com). View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
|
1922 - 2014 (91 years)