Stay updated with breaking news from Caleb shafer. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
The start of a life of service DeFrancesco reflected upon the war years recently during a visit at his Marion County home. DeFrancesco was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on Jan. 29, 1924. His father, a World War I veteran, worked in the copper tubing industry. As a youth, DeFrancesco was fascinated by early helicopter prototypes he saw on test flights from the Sikorsky Aircraft company, located near his home. He built and flew model airplanes. DeFrancesco joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 just after graduation from high school. His first flight was in an Aeronca, a small single-engine plane. The Aeronca was fun; it sort of floated, said DeFrancesco. ....