THE WALL OF FACES

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]

To Captain Walter Draeger,
Some one in Wisconsin remembers you. Thanks to my Dad, Harvey Goglin and his stories of you when you were boys in Sunday school and through your sister Beverly. I will always remember you even though I only know you through my dad. I will remember your picture and that you are from Deerfield/Cottage Grove WI.

Thank you for your service Captain Draeger. May God Bless you

Peggy Goglin Lightfoot

Walter Draeger Jr. is remembered on Docs Wisconsin 37 Tribute page, along with all the WI. Vietnam War POW/MIA. www.war-veterans.org/Wi37.htm

Dear Captain Walter Frank Draeger Jr, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say 'thank you'; for America, for those who love you, and for the Sgt's son.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter (son of Sgt. Ardon William Carter, 101st Airborne, died February 4, 1966, South Vietnam)

I am from Muskego, Wisconsin and served in Vietnam as a Medic in 6768. I created the Wisconsin 37 POWMIA web site many years ago. All 37 Vietnam Vets from Wisconsin are listed on my site. I am proud to maintain this special tribute for our Heros. www.war-veterans.orgWi37.htm