Francis Horne was born on March 14, 1920, in Aucilla, Florida. He enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Army Air Forces on March 31, 1942, and was commissioned a 2d Lt and awarded his pilot wings at Craig Field, Alabama, on March 25, 1943. After completing P-47 Thunderbolt training, Lt Horne was assigned to the 328th Fighter Squadron of the 352nd Fighter Group, deploying with the unit to England in August 1943. He was credited with the destruction of 5.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat plus 1 on the ground while strafing enemy airfields before he rotated back to the U.S. in September 1944. Lt Horne left active duty and joined the Air Force Reserve on September 1, 1945, retiring as a LtCol on April 23, 1971. After leaving active duty, Francis completed Pharmacy School and worked as a Pharmacist in Tampa, Florida, until his death on August 25, 1975. He was buried at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Tampa, Florida.

His 3rd Distinguished Flying Cross Citation reads

For extraordinary achievement and heroism in aerial combat, the destruction of one enemy airplane and for sharing in the destruction of one enemy airplane over enemy occupied Continental Europe. The skillful and zealous manner in which Lt. Horne has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.