Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Valentine
Simpson
Rader
DNB (1950)
December 24, 1922

–

April 30, 1950

Born:

Howard

, 

Kansas

Home:

Howard

, 

Kansas

Buried: 

Howard

, 

Kansas

Cemetery:

Grace Lawn Cemetery

During World War II, Valentine Rader became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 6.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and died in an air accident while serving with the 49th Fighter-Bomber Group in Japan in 1950.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Valentine Simpson Rader (ASN: 0-678932), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as a Fighter Pilot of the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

    Regiment:

    67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group

    Division:

    1st Tactical Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 1st Tactical Air Force, General Orders No. 123 (May 15, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Valentine Simpson Rader (ASN: 0-678932), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 111th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, 1st Tactical Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations, during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by First Lieutenant Rader, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.