Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Irwin
Hendrick
Dregne
DNB (1967)
January 2, 1917

–

September 18, 1967

Born:

Viroqua

, 

Wisconsin

Home:

Viroqua

, 

Wisconsin

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

During World War II, Irwin Dregne became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and served in combat a second time in the Korean War. He died in 1967 while still on active duty as a U.S. Air Force Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    357th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    January 14, 1945
    Headquarters, U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 29 (March 23, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Irwin Hendrick Dregne (ASN: 0-431399), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while leading P-51 fighter planes of the 357th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, on a bomber escort mission to Derben, Germany, on 14 January 1945. On this date, Lieutenant Colonel Dregne sighted seventy low-flying enemy fighter aircraft with a top cover of one hundred additional enemy fighters. Realizing the great danger to the vulnerable bombers, and in spite of the enemy’s vast numerical superiority and tactical advantage of position, he led his men in a daring counter-attack on the enemy planes. Inspired by his intrepidity and daring, flight after flight of Lieutenant Colonel Dregne’s aircraft flew into the massed enemy, completely shattering their formation. Alone now, he intercepted an enemy formation which was attacking the rear of a bomber box and destroyed one enemy aircraft and damaged another, halting his attack only when his own plane was attacked by eight enemy fighters from the side and rear. The extraordinary heroism, intrepidity, and brilliant leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Dregne on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    357th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 8th Fighter Command, General Orders No. 63 (July 27, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Irwin Hendrick Dregne (ASN: 0-431399), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight and destruction of three enemy airplanes over enemy occupied Continental Europe during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which Major Dregne 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.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel [then Lieutenant Colonel]

    Action Date:

    September 22, 1950 – February 7, 1951
    Headquarters, Far East Air Forces, General Orders No. 275 (June 14, 1951)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pride in presenting the Legion of Merit (Posthumously) to Colonel [then Lieutenant Colonel] Irwin Hendrick Dregne (ASN: 0-431399), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Group Operations Officer of the 51st Fighter Interceptor Group from 22 September 1950 to 7 February 1951. Prior to the installation of pylon racks, Colonel Dregne conceived the plan of having the F-80 jet aircraft carry one napalm tank and one external fuel tank. This plan increased the effective combat range of F-80 aircraft for close support missions and allowed it to remain longer in the combat area. His inventiveness was of great assistance in retarding the advance of the enemy, increasing enemy casualties, and holding the United Nations casualties at a minimum. In addition, Colonel Dregne, through his industry and cheerfulness, inspired the men of his organization to greater efforts which contributed materially to the effectiveness of air operations in Korea. Colonel Dregne’s superior performance and exemplary devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    357th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 8th Fighter Command, General Orders No. 42 (May 13, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major (Air Corps) Irwin Hendrick Dregne (ASN: 0-431399), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight and destruction of one enemy airplane over enemy occupied Continental Europe during World War II. The skillful and zealous manner in which Major Dregne 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.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    November 8, 1950

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Irwin Hendrick Dregne (ASN: 0-431399), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Headquarters, 51st Fighter Interceptor Group, 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing, on 8 November 1950. Lieutenant Colonel Dregne was leader of a flight of four F-80 type aircraft on a highly dangerous but successful mission against the heavily defended enemy airfield at Sinuiju, North Korea. Lieutenant Colonel Dregne’s flight encountered heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire during the first pass across the airfield, but Lieutenant Colonel Dregne continued to make repeated, dangerous low altitude attacks on the enemy installation, firing rockets and machine guns into the anti-aircraft positions. Lieutenant Colonel Dregne’s relentless and determined attacks were responsible for silencing eight enemy heavy anti-aircraft batteries during this attack. Lieutenant Colonel Dregne’s display of courage, leadership, and professional skill bring great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force and his country.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    357th Fighter Group

    Division:

    8th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 6 – 12, 1944
    Headquarters, 8th Fighter Command, General Orders No. 87 (October 12, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) Irwin Hendrick Dregne (ASN: 0-431399), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Squadron Leader and Deputy Group Commander on a long range escort and shuttle raid to Russia and Italy 6 to 12 August 1944. Four times the squadron led by Lieutenant Colonel Dregne met and repulsed enemy attacks. Lieutenant Colonel Dregne contributed directly to the outstanding success of the mission and reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.