Navy Federal Credit Union

After serving as an enlisted airman in the Army Air Forces in World War II, Walter Druen left active duty in 1947 to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He returned to active duty in 1950 as was commissioned throu8gh the aviation cadet program in 1951. He retired in 1982 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    8th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Walter D. Druen, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia from 1969 to 1970. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Regiment:

    Air Force Military Personnel Center

    Division:

    Randolph Air Force Base, Texas

    Action Date:

    June 28, 1974 – May 31, 1977

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Walter D. Druen, Jr., United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Druen distinguished himself as Deputy Assistant and later as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel for Military Personnel, and Commander, Air Force Military Personnel Center, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas, from 28 June 1974 to 31 May 1977. In these critical positions, General Druen provided superior direction to the management of Air Force personnel during a period of major force reductions and great personnel turbulence. His efforts led to major improvements in the personnel force planning process, the distribution of the personnel resource, and the management and operation of the supporting personnel data systems. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Druen reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant General Walter D. Druen, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Druen and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    8th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    January 28, 1970

    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Orders G-1662 (April 15, 1970)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Walter D. Druen, Jr., United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Pilot with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia on 28 January 1970. On that date, Colonel Druen, as an F-4D Forward Air Controller, displayed unparalleled courage and selfless devotion to the accomplishment of his mission while acting as an On Scene Commander for a Search and Rescue mission over an extremely well-defended hostile area. By constantly disregarding the high threat to his life, Colonel Druen remained in the vicinity of the downed aircrew, drawing the hostile forces’ intense barrage of ground fire to his own aircraft, enabling the Search and Rescue aircraft to work in a more permissive environment. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Druen has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    June 11, 1972 – June 13, 1974

    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-417 (June 17, 1974)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Walter D. Druen, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States, from 11 June 1972 to 13 June 1974. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Druen and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    8th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Walter D. Druen, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia from 1969 to 1970. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Regiment:

    8th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Walter D. Druen, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia from 1969 to 1970. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Walter D. Druen, Jr., United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Druen and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.