THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Air Force Criss citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow airmen. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Captain Walter Frank Draeger, in addition to the Air Force Cross cited in a prior posting, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievement while engaged in aerial flight. He served as a Pilot, Tactical Aircraft, and was assigned to the 1131ST SPEC ACTIVITY SQDN, 13TH Air Force.
See https://airforce.togetherweserved.com/

Dear Captain Walter Draeger,
Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot (Various.) You are still MIA. Please come home.
We remember all you who gave their all. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

I think of you every time I read about someone that has come home. I keep asking about you but so far nothing. I see your name on your parents headstone, as they are resting near my grandparents and Uncle. I always visit and leave flowers and a flag. I will keep hoping that someday you too will come home to Wisconsin so you can Rest in Peace at St.Paul's too.

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Captain Walter Frank Draeger, Jr., United States Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Pilot of an A-1 Skyraider in action on 4 April 1965, over North Vietnam. On that date, Captain Draeger volunteered to fly as a Fighter-Advisor with the Vietnamese Air Force into an area of known heavily concentrated anti-aircraft artillery. He participated in a highly successful bombing mission of a vital Viet Cong target, contributing materially to its destruction. On the return flight from the primary target, Captain Draeger's flight leader was shot down by hostile ground fire. Captain Draeger immediately called or search and rescue assistance. Although completely alone and within range of the hostile ground fire, he orbited the area of his downed flight leader until the unarmed search and rescue aircraft arrived in the vicinity. Upon arrival in the area, over which Captain Draeger was flying protective cover, the unarmed rescue aircraft requested fire suppression assistance. Captain Draeger commenced a firing pass to allow the rescue aircraft to safely enter the area. With complete disregard for his own personal safety, he made the strafing run into the hostile fire. Ignoring the air bursts from shore batteries, Captain Draeger pressed his attack and, in so doing, sacrificed his own life. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of hostile forces, Captain Draeger reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. [Taken from CAPT Draeger’s Air Force Cross narrative]