Francis Edward Bigos

In May 1942, Frank enlisted in the US Army Air Corp serving with the 8th Air Force in Bungay, England. He was a Navigator on a B-24 Liberator, "Gerty the Gremlin," in the 446th Bomb Group. Frank’s squadron was among the first "heavies" over the invasion coast on D-Day. He was in the lead plane. Following his completed 30 missions, he was sent to Ireland where he acted as an instructor in a replacement center. He was then sent to the Pacific Theater with the Air Transport Command bringing the wounded home. He retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Lt. Colonel in 1976. In 1993, he was Chairperson for the 50th Anniversary of his WWII 446th Bomb Group Reunion which was held in Denver, Colorado. Upon his discharge from service, he received his high school diploma and then attended the University of Colorado where he obtained his Bachelors of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1950. Frank was a gate design engineer for Armco Steel Corp. before taking early retirement after 23 years of service. He was a member of the Society of Professional Engineers and a Consulting Engineer until he was 93 years old.

Frank was a member of the Lakewood Optimist Breakfast Club having served as President and Secretary/Treasurer.

Following the end of World War II, Frank met and married Dorothy M. Pospisil on May 5, 1946 in Denver, Colorado. Dorothy preceded him in death in 2008.

Frank is survived by his son, Joseph W. (Jeanne) Bigos; daughter, Sue Ann Schultz and his grandchildren, David A. Schultz and Katherine A. Schultz.

In lieu of flowers, donations are accepted at:

446th Bomb Group Assoc.

629 Mariposa Rd

Stanley, NC 28164