ONEOFMANYFEATHERS'
Short Biographies
Major William Fredenberg
William Fredenberg, the youngest son of the former superintendent of the Menominee Indian Nation, enlisted in the Army Air Forces in 1942 as a gunner, but went to flight training. Upon graduation Fredenberg attended P-47 fighter school in Orlando, Florida, and from there he went to Europe where he was assigned to a fighter-bomber squadron, primarily flying bombing missions.
Flying from England on his 37th dive-bombing mission on June 14, 1944, Fredenberg was shot down over Brest Harbor, France, and taken prisoner. While being transported on a prisoner train he led a successful escape of 13 prisoners and took up arms with the Free French sabotaging and attacking German soldiers. In October he returned to England.
He was discharged in 1945 having received the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions during the war.
Fredenberg reentered the Air Force in 1950 as an enlisted member and was sent to Japan as part of the Japan Air Defense Force in radar control. In 1952 he was re-commissioned and assigned to the 40th Fighter Squadron, and began learning to fly F-80s.
He returned to the U.S. in 1953 to continue his jet flight training and become an instructor pilot.
During the 1960s he served in Vietnam as the pilot of an AC-47 gunship. On 2 August 1966 during Operation Paul Revere II, Fredenberg flew his AC-47 in support of a group of soldiers surrounded by enemy forces, despite low ceilings, poor visibility, and intense hostile fire. For his courage, skill, and resolute determination, Fredenberg received his second Distinguished Flying Cross.
William Fredenberg retired from active duty in 1969 having been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters and the Air Medal with 15 oak leaf clusters.
