STROBEL FRANCIS J

WO1 Francis "Frank" J. Strobel was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 02/15/2020 at the age of 73.0
Erie, PA
Flight Class 69-37
Date of Birth 02/10/1947
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 114 AHC in 70
Call sign in Vietnam KNIGHT HAWK 6
This information was provided by Lyle Borders

More detail on this person: Age 73, a son of the late Francis N. and Thelma Smith Strobel. Frank was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served as a helicopter pilot. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star. In 2014, he was inducted into the Four Chaplains Society and is a former officer of the 114th Aviation Association. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, VFW Post 470, and the North East American Legion. He was the author the book "The Devil's Disciple: Different Sides of War." He enjoyed woodworking. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Strobel and his sister Thelma Camp. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Lucille Gambatese Strobel; three daughters, Julie Strobel-Kaldorf (Brian Kaldorf), of West View, Pa., Lisa Strobel-Jones (Chris Jones), of Columbus, Ohio, and Sarah Strobel, of Bradenton, Fla.; three grandchildren; seven siblings, Dennis Strobel (Cheryl) of Hopewell, Va., Kathryn Strobel, of Erie, Ronald Strobel, of Erie, Rebecca Gausman (Robert), of Erie, Thomas Strobel, of Erie, Kevin Strobel (Teri) of Salisbury, N.C., Lawrence Strobel (Robbin), of Carlisle, Pa.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. From:Lyle Borders To:HQ@vhpa.org, Mike Law Subject:notice Date:Feb 16, 2020 6:25 PM It is with great sadness that I report the death of our fellow aviator Frank Strobel yesterday. He has suffered from the ravages of Agent Orange for many years. He suffers no more. At our 114th reunions, he was always such a cheerful presence, in spite of his failing health. Frank was an excellent pilot and detailed his exploits in his book "The Devil's Disciple". He volunteered to fly permanent night flights. His call sign was Knight Hawk 6. I will forward the details of the arrangements as they become known. Please pass this information on to those that need to know. Please pray for his wife, his daughters and their families. Rest in peace, old friend. Lyle

Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery

This information was last updated 04/13/2020

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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025


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