Frederick Trafton began his service with the Royal Air Force in England, before transferring to the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942. During World War II, he became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. In 1944 he was himself shot down, and was sheltered for 3 months by partisans until he could return to his unit. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, subsequently resigning his commission to join the U.S. Army, serving with the 17th Air Cavalry in the Vietnam War before retiring in 1968 as a U.S. Army Major.
Sponsored by:
Frederick
Osborn
Trafton
Jr.
1918-08-05
–
2001-03-11
Born:
New Durham
,
New Hampshire
Home:
New Durham
,
New Hampshire
Buried:
Arlington
,
Virginia
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Silver Star
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Silver Star
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
308th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
31st Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
Headquarters, 15th Air Force, General Orders No. 2725 (August 21, 1944)(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 Captain (Air Corps) Frederick Osborn Trafton, Jr. (ASN: 0-885484), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, in 1943 and 1944. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Trafton, 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.
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
308th Fighter SquadronRegiment:
31st Fighter GroupDivision:
15th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Frederick Osborn Trafton, Jr. (ASN: 0-885484), 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 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, FIFTEENTH Air Force, 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.