Frank C. Lang

Frank Christian Lang (September 13, 1918 – December 29, 2008) was a highly decorated officer in the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general. A veteran of three wars, Lang began his career as fighter pilot in World War II and rose to the command of Marine Aircraft Group during the Vietnam War. Lang was promoted to the general's rank following the war and held several important assignments including command of 1st and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wings. He completed his career as Deputy Commander, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific in 1978.

Early career and World War II

Frank C. Lang was born on September 13, 1918, in New Rochelle, New York, the son of Christian and Marie Lang. Following the high school, he worked for Vought-Sikorsky as an aircraft and engine mechanic, before entering the New Haven Teachers State College in New Haven, Connecticut.

While at the College, Lang entered the Civilian Pilot Training Program, which he completed and earned his private pilot license. Following the United States entry into World War II, he enlisted the Naval Reserve in 1942 and entered the Naval Aviation Program.

In May 1974, Lang was transferred to Hawaii, where he assumed duty as Director of Operations (J-3), United States Pacific Command under Admiral Noel Gayler. In this Unified combatant command, he was responsible for the planning and execution of operations of Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, United States Pacific Fleet, Pacific Air Forces, and others. Lang remained in that capacity until March 1977, when he was appointed Deputy Commander, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific under Lieutenant General Leslie E. Brown.

General Lang retired from active duty on July 1, 1978, after 36 years of commissioned service and received Defense Superior Service Medal and third Legion of Merit for his services with U.S. Pacific Command and Fleet Marine Force, Pacific. He also received the Gray Eagle Award, which is presented to the Naval Aviator on continuous active duty in U.S. Navy or Marine Corps who has held that designation for the longest period of time.

Retirement

Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, Lang settled in San Diego, California, and was active in several sports including golf, scuba diving, and skiing during the winter season in Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. He was also a member of several veteran organizations including the Early and Pioneer Aviators Association (aka The Golden Eagles), Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation, Marine Corps Aviation Association, Marine Corps Association, Marine Corps Historical Foundation, Association of Naval Aviation, Military Order of the World Wars, Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, the Tailhook Association, and others. He was also active in the Marine Corps Oral History Program and received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Paul X. Kelley in June 1986.