Ray Frankenberg, a native of Newport, Rhode Island, entered the Academy from the Fleet via NAPS.  He was a diligent student, and had great interest in sports activities, especially football and wrestling.  No matter what the activity, Ray could always see the bright side and enjoyed the liberty time and participating in all endeavors and adventures that Academy life provided.

Upon graduation and commissioning, Ray entered Air Force flight training.  During his 21-year career as an Air Force pilot he served two combat tours flying  C-130 aircraft over Viet Nam. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, three Air Medals with five Oak Leaf Clusters, two Bronze Stars, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

In 1972, Ray married Deborah Arnhart after a three-year courtship.  Ray and Debbie had three sons, Mathew, Justin and Christian.  After retiring from the Air Force, Ray utilized his knowledge of aircraft operations as the Operations Officer at Reagan National Airport, working for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.  He retired in November 1997. 

Ray died, a victim of stomach cancer, on  July 14, 2003.  He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Deborah, his daughter, Amy, and three sons, Mathew, Justin and Christian, and five grandchildren.