More detail on this person: Francisco (Frank) Basaldua, US Army Captain, Retired, passed away
on December 18, 2011. Throughout Frank's time in the Army, he was known as "Cisco", "Chico",
"Captain Bas", or by his call sign "Thunderbird16" while a helicopter pilot assigned to the 118th
Assault Helicopter Company, Thunderbirds, in Bien Hoa, South Vietnam. Frank was the Thunderbird's
1st platoon leader (aka Red Platoon or Scorpions). Frank was very proud to have been a member of the
Thunderbirds and in recent years, prior to his passing, he enjoyed reconnecting with his Thunderbird
troops at VHPA reunions, via email or by phone. You could not mention the word "Huey" around Frank
without setting aside some time for him to provide details about the helicopter's history, inner
workings and how well it flew. Frank never forgot those he served with, especially during his time
in Vietnam.
His greatest achievement in life, though, was being a loving and supportive husband and father.
Frank lost his wife Eva in 2003. He is survived by his two daughters, Cindy and Stacey, along with
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even though his retirement from the military was more family
oriented, he still presented himself proudly as a member of the US Military. He wore his flight
wings on his cap and drove with a "Retired Army" sticker on his vehicle. He continued to support all
the men and women of all branches of service. When he lived near a military installation, he would
make regular visits to get his hair cut in standard military fashion. Frank is interred beside his
loving wife in his hometown of Woodsboro, TX. The local VFW chapter gave him a beautiful military
send off. God bless him and all those men and women that have served, especially those that gave
their lives for their country. In Frank's name, we honor them.
From: Quinn Dunn
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site: 01/11/2025
Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association