Frank Louis Bosch – Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army

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From a contemporary press report

Frank Louis Bosch, 81, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and decorated combat navigator who also was an honored volunteer in exercise and fitness programs for Fairfax County seniors, died of pancreatic cancer January 14, 2004, at his home in Annandale, Virginia.

Colonel Bosch, who had lived in Annandale since 1969, was born in New Orleans and raised in Brooklyn, New York.

He began his military career in the Army Air Forces during World War II. After completing flight training, he was assigned to a night fighter squadron in the Pacific and flew in 11 combat missions in a P-61 Black Widow, an aircraft designed for night combat.

Colonel Bosch was in the reserve after the war. He returned to active duty in 1949. His assignments included command of a fighter group at Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota and liaison to the Spanish Air Force.

He saw combat during the Vietnam War as a crew member of a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. He flew in more than 500 missions, including in the Battle of Khe Sanh, for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross.

His final active-duty assignment, in 1976, was director of plans and operations at Andrews Air Force Base.

After retiring, he received a bachelor's and a master's degree in physical education from George Mason University.

He started and led exercise programs for seniors through the Fairfax County recreation department. He started softball leagues and ice skating groups, and he organized and directed the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics.

Last year, the National Park Service honored him with its volunteer-of-the-year award for his work as a docent and guide at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

He was an election officer in Fairfax County, a Eucharistic minister and usher at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Annandale, a former vice president of the WWII Night Fighters Association and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Margaret Gates “Mardy” Bosch of Annandale; four sons, Steven C. Bosch of Montclair in Prince William County, Gordon Bosch of Annandale, Kevin Bosch of Washington and Paul Bosch of Stafford; five daughters, Barbara Bosch Casana of Burke, Margaret Taylor of Springfield, Victoria Bosch Murray of Scituate, Massachusetts, and Bonnie Bosch Burns and Mary Frances Knight, both of Springfield; 22 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

BOSCH, FRANK LOUIS, Lt. Col., USAF (Ret.)

On Wednesday, January 14, 2004, Lieutenant Colonel FRANK LOUIS BOSCH, USAF (Ret.), of Annandale, Virginia. Beloved husband of Margaret “Mardy” Gates Bosch for 56 years; loving father of Steven C. Bosch of Montclair, VA, Barbara Bosch Casana of Burke, VA, Gordon Bosch of Annandale, VA, Bonnie Bosch Burns of Springfield, VA, Kevin Bosch of Washington, VA, Margaret Bosch Taylor of Springfield, VA, Victoria Bosch Murray of Scituate, MA, Mary Frances Knight of Springfield, VA and Paul Bosch of Stafford, VA; cherished grandfather of 22 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 19, 2004 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 7401 St. Michaels Ln., Annandale, Virignia 22003. Interment Arlington National Cemetery, Thursday, February 12, 2004 at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Colonel Bosch's name to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 1023 – 15th St., NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20005.

BOSCH, FRANK L

  • LT COL   US AIR FORCE
  • VETERAN SERVICE DATES: 07/01/1947 – 12/31/1976
  • DATE OF BIRTH: 11/14/1922
  • DATE OF DEATH: 01/14/2004
  • DATE OF INTERMENT: 02/12/2004
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 66  SITE 4420

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