Frank Leon Pfeiffer

Frank grew up in Flat Rock, Michigan where he played football at Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School.

He was a member of the DAV, Fleet Reserve, Purple Heart Society, Marine Combat Helicopter Association, Lions Club (Past President), VFW (Past Post Commander), and Havelock Civitan (Past President). He had also been a scout master and little league t-ball coach. He volunteered at Arthur Edwards and Graham Barden Elementary schools where he talked about the history of Vietnam and how to respectfully and properly fold the American Flag.

He is survived by his wife Lorene Pfeiffer; son Leon Frank Pfeiffer, II of Knightdale; daughters Mary Neff Calvin of Michigan, Dawn Marie Pfeiffer of Michigan and Donna Jean Kent of California; brothers Kenneth Pfeiffer of Washington, Donald Pfeiffer of Michigan and Larry Pfeiffer of Texas; sisters Anita Pfeiffer and Evelyn Pelicky both of Michigan; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Upon graduation in 1956 he joined the United States Marine Corps. He began his military career at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. After graduation, Master Gunnery Sergeant Pfeiffer reported to Camp Lejeune as a machinegunner with the Sixth Marines and later the Second Marines. In 1957 he moved into the aviation field. From then on “Top” Pfeiffer served with all three of the Marine Aircraft Wings in billets ranging from engineering clerk to assistant operations officer.

Highlighting his career was his selection as a temporary officer during the height of the Vietnam War. He held his commission for five years, attaining the rank of captain before reverting to gunnery sergeant. In 1966 MGySgt. Pfeiffer was assigned to Marine Observation Squadron Two at Marble Mountain, South Vietnam, serving as the squadron’s operations chief. During this assignment, Pfeiffer was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for heroic achievement while serving as an Aerial Gunner. On a rescue mission he accurately distinguished friendly and enemy positions and placed accurate and deadly fire on the enemy. Later in the same mission he disregarded his own safety and exposed himself in an open doorway to gain an advantageous firing position. He killed the enemy gunner and possibly others who were firing on him. The actions of Pfeiffer and the crew likely saved dozens of lives.

His other personal decorations include the Purple Heart, Air Medal fourth award, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Award, Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Frame, Presidential Unit Commendation, and National Defense Service Medal. He retired from the Corps in 1978.

He worked as a manufacturing supervisor until 1982 when he began working at the Naval Aviation Depot in Cherry Point as a Production Control Supervisor. He retired as a Production Control Manager in 2002.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 10 at Cherry Point Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 12-2 pm at Cherry Point Baptist Church. Burial will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org

Arrangements are by Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory.

Online condolences may be made by going to cottenfuneralhome.com.

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