Konrad trautman biography

Johansen, John D. Johansen and great granddaughter Sarah G. Amanda N. Hartman and husband Dr. Raphael Mattamal of Amarillo, TX. Trautman is also survived by one son, Colonel Retired Konrad J. Trautman, U. Trautman; Captain Retired Cathryn J. Trautman of Wimauma, FL. He enlisted in the U. Army Reserve on March 18,and went on active duty in the U.

PFC Trautman returned to active duty in the U. Air Force on March 23, He left active duty on November 30,and then served with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard flying F Mustangs from December 1,until he returned to konrad trautman biography duty in the Air Force on August 1, After spending 1, days in captivity, Col Trautman was released during Operation Homecoming on March 14, Konrad Trautman served in the U.

Air Force in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Major Trautman became a Prisoner of War after he was shot down on October 5,and was held for nearly six years before his release on March 14, He retired as a U. Air Force Colonel on November 30, On that date, Captain Trautman, in the midst of heavy anti-aircraft weapon fire and attacking hostile aircraft, turned from the safety of his flight to render assistance to the crew of a stricken aircraft.

Staying in the hostile target area, Captain Trautman maintained a visual watch on the falling aircraft until it impacted. Not until he was certain of the fate of the unfortunate crew did he give any thought to his own safety. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Captain Trautman reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

On that date, Captain Trautman was the leader of a flight of four F Thunderchiefs in an air attack against an intensely defended causeway. Although his aircraft was struck repeatedly by accurate and tracking flak, Captain Trautman courageously pressed the attack and devastated the target with his ordnance. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Trautman has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Under his leadership, an escape committee was formed which eventually precipitated an escape from a prison camp located on the edge of the city of Hanoi. Though the escapees were soon recaptured, it resulted in extreme embarrassment to the camp commander who lost his position along with others of his staff. Major Trautman was subjected to a cruel round of torture in which the interrogators attempted to get details of prisoner plans and organization.

Konrad trautman biography

Major Trautman absorbed this torture and accepted blame for the escape in a gallant bid to protect the senior ranking American and other prisoners who were active in operations against the Vietnamese. He suffered excruciating tortures and beatings resulting in many serious wounds which placed him physically and mentally on the edge of death.

Through his extraordinary heroism and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Major Trautman reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.