Francis Eichler; WWI Vet Was 104

Francis “Frank” Eichler, a World War I veteran who was awarded France’s highest military honor in a 1999 ceremony in Los Angeles recognizing his wartime service overseas, has died. He was 104.

Eichler died of respiratory complications while recovering from hip surgery Nov. 29 at a Los Angeles hospital.

An Army first sergeant who served with Company A of the 548th Engineers of the 5th Engineering Logistic Regiment, he was a recipient of the Chevalier of the National Order of the Legion of Honor.

The medal was presented as part of French President Jacques Chirac’s effort to recognize all surviving World War I veterans who fought in France.

Born in San Francisco in 1897, Eichler experienced the earthquake and fire that devastated the city in 1906. His father, a doctor, treated many of the casualties, and their home served as a shelter for numerous homeless families.

Eichler was working as a bookkeeper at a Feather River power plant when he enlisted in the Army in July 1918 in Chico, Calif.

He was deployed overseas that October and arrived in Dijon, France, shortly before the Nov. 11 armistice. While in France, his unit did road repair work.

Returning to the Feather River, Eichler obtained a law degree through correspondence courses and passed the California bar exam on his first try. He applied to several law firms but considered the $75-a-month pay too low, instead joining American Smelting and Refining Co.

He worked for the company 35 years, living in both New York City and San Francisco and rising to the position of vice president.

After retiring from American Smelting in 1963, he moved to Carpinteria and practiced law in nearby Santa Barbara, specializing in probate and wills.

In 1994, he moved to St. John of God Retirement and Health Care Center in Los Angeles, where he continued to live independently in his own apartment until his recent hospitalization.

Eichler, who kept physically fit through a daily exercise routine, was known as an avid dancer at the center’s monthly socials, and he continued to play tennis until his 100th birthday.

“He was quite mobile and active until he fell and broke his hip and had to have surgery,” said Robert W. Johnson, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who met Eichler in 1999 and became a friend.

Eichler and his wife of 49 years, Marcella, had three sons: Francis and twins Richard and Raymond. Francis served in the Marine Corps during World War II, and his brothers served in the Army during the Korean War.

Eichler, who outlived his wife and sons, is survived by two grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in the retirement home’s chapel, 2446 S. St. Andrews Place. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Santa Barbara.

Memorial donations in Eichler’s name may be made to Catholic Charities of America or the Hospitaller Foundation of St. John of God.