Legacy of Valor in the Air - Walter F. Draeger ’55

by J. Bolling Williamson ’60, Contributing Writer

In an A1H Skyraider, Air Force Capt. Walter F. Draeger ’55 flew cover for his downed flight leader until rescue aircraft arrived, and then he made the strafing run.

On April 4, 1965, Capt. Draeger was flying an A1H Skyraider – a single-seat piston-engined attack aircraft used to help protect downed American pilots, as well as fly cover for rescue helicopters. He was on a Rescue Combat Air Patrol mission, supporting a major strike on a railroad bridge in North Vietnam known as the Dragon’s Jaw which served a strategic supply route for the North Vietnamese Army.

The target was well defended by several shore batteries of anti-aircraft artillery. The fire was fierce; several planes were hit, and Draeger’s flight leader was shot down. A portion of his Air Force Cross citation reads:

Draeger immediately called for 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 Capt. Draeger was flying protective cover, the unarmed rescue aircraft requested fire suppression assistance. Capt. 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, Capt. Draeger pressed his attack and in doing so, sacrificed his own life.

Draeger’s plane crashed in flames; no parachute was seen.

The A1H Skyraider was used to help protect downed American pilots and fly cover for rescue helicopters.