First lieutenant Duane Francies (July 15, 1921 – May 5, 2004) was a military aviator who earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service.

Duane witnessed the landing of Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon after the first nonstop trans-Pacific flight, driving his desire to be a pilot.

Three days after Pearl Harbor, Francies enlisted with the Army.

Along with his observer William Martin, both used their Colt 45 to down a German Storch on April 11, 1945.

Twice recommended for a Distinguished Flying Cross during the war, it was not until Scoop Jackson took up the issue and the medal was awarded in 1967.