Sgt. Franklin E. Hostler, 39, son of Angelina Shapella of Tamaqua, died Monday of injuries sustained when a helicopter fell on him during action in Vietnam. Word of her son’s death was received yesterday by Mrs. Shapella.

He was a member of the Green Berets, a special forces unit assigned to Vietnam, and was a veteran of nearly 20 years with the Army.

In recent letters to his mother, Sgt. Hostler wrote that he recently returned to combat duty after being hospitalized about four weeks with a gunshot wound of the leg received in battle in Vietnam. He had planned to retire from the Army after completing his tour of duty overseas.