Larry DeFrancesco was born on May 25, 1971, in South Carolina. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on September 19, 1990, and completed basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, in November 1990. After attending the Communication Systems Operator course at Keesler AFB, Mississippi; and E-3 Sentry Communication Systems Operator training at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma; A1C DeFrancesco served as an E-3 communication systems operator with the 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron at Tinker AFB from September 1992 to July 1995, and during this time he deployed to Riyadh Air Base, Saudi Arabia, in support of Operation Southern Watch numerous times. His final assignment was as an E-3 communication systems operator with the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, from August 1995 until he was killed in the crash of an E-3B Sentry (Call Sign "Yukla 27") shortly after takeoff from Elmendorf AFB on September 22, 1995. Larry DeFrancesco was buried at the Bay Pines National Cemetery in Bay Pines, Florida.

His 3rd Aerial Achievement Medal Citation reads:

Senior Airman Lawrence E. DeFrancesco distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight as E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System Communications Systems Operator, 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron (Deployed), Riyadh Air Base, Saudi Arabia, from 22 August 1993 to 26 January 1995. During this period, Airman DeFrancesco exhibited superior courage and airmanship while accomplishing critical combat support missions in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. His outstanding proficiency and dedication to duty enabled the unarmed E-3 to fly in or near hostile airspace while providing deep look surveillance and tactical control. The professional ability and outstanding aerial accomplishments of Airman DeFrancesco reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.