Frank Manchel was a 95 year-old American hero who valiantly served his country in the Army during World War II. Recently, Frank travelled form California to Washington, D.C. for an all-expenses paid trip, courtesy of Honor Flight San Diego.

This nonprofit group flies veterans to Washington D.C. so that they can visit war memorials, and Frank could not have been more excited for his trip. During the trip, Frank had a blast visiting various memorials, toured military museums, and visited with both old and new friends.

After the trip was over, Frank boarded a flight back to San Diego last Sunday. Onboard the flight, there were 82 other veterans as well as their loved ones and caregivers. During the flight, Frank was all smiles as he chatted with his fellow veterans, who said that he was clearly in good spirits.

Suddenly, as the flight was nearing it’s end, Frank collapsed. His son Bruce, who happens to be a doctor, jumped out of his seat and ran to help his father. He spent the next twelve minutes performing CPR on Frank, but the American hero sadly could not be revived. Instead, Frank died “quickly and peacefully” on the Honor Flight, and his fellow veterans immediately covered his body in the American flag that he had fought so hard for.

“My father’s passing was the ending to the most amazing weekend, surrounded by his newest best friends,” Bruce said.

A photo of Frank smiling on the flight just before his death has quickly gone viral, as Americans everywhere are touched by how happy he was before he died. Rest in peace, Frank Manchel, and thank you for your service.

Find out more about this in the video below.