100-year-old veteran shares memories of war, love

At 100 years old, Frank Royal has 120 combat missions and at least 5,000 hours of flight time under his belt.

Born on a ranch in southeastern Colorado, Royal joined the military because he couldn’t afford medical school.

“I was broke and had been expelled from University of Colorado in Boulder for non-payment of fees,” Royal told KRDO NewsChannel 13. “I loved flying and would rather be doing that in a war than patching up soldiers as a medic.”

Royal enlisted in the Army as a pilot, going to combat all over the world, including Papua New Guinea and Japan.

He recalled a mission on July 4, 1942, when his comrades were under attack in Japan. His wingman was forced to eject and parachute to the ground.

“I saw him bail out. I saw two or three Japanese start circling him and shooting at him,” Royal said. “I was shooting at them trying to run them away.”

Instead of ejecting, Royal navigated his plane and hid behind the armor plate inside the aircraft — a move he says probably saved his life and that of his wingman.

Royal was awarded two silver stars for outstanding combat leadership and became the commander of his squadron. He retired after 30 years as a colonel.

Nowadays he enjoys the simple life, seeing his family, including five children, 15 grandchildren and even great-grandchildren.

Weeks after celebrating his 100th birthday, Royal says he’s ready to take his last flight.

“I’m looking forward to my spirit joining my wife’s later this year,” Royal said. “She’s an angel and if I can qualify, I’d like to be her assistant.”

Frank Royal was featured as KRDO NewsChannel 13’s “Wear Red Friday Hero.” If you’d like to nominate someone, click here.