Montauk Resident Will Be Inducted into Veterans Hall of Fame

Lt. Col. Walter George Drago, a Montauk resident, is headed for the New York State Veterans' Hall of Fame.

State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle, R-Port Jefferson, announced on Wednesday that Drago will be inducted during a ceremony in Albany on May 21.  

“Lt. Col. Drago demonstrated extraordinary courage and commitment in his service to our nation,” said LaValle.  “The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute that demonstrates the respect and gratitude of the First Senatorial District and all New Yorkers for his patriotism and sacrifice.”

According to a statement from LaValle's office, Drago enlisted in the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Flight Program in 1968. He graduated with honors as a Warrant Officer 1 Army Aviator. Drago served in Vietnam, starting in March 1970, and within one year he flew more than 220 combat missions across Southeast Asia.

He was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer 2 during his deployment, and he was later awarded the Distinguished Fly Cross for Heroism, the Bronze Star Medal, 13 Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, Viet Nam Gallantry Cross, and Civil Action Medal. He left the Army in 1972. 

Drago moved to Atlanta and joined the Georgia Army National Guard, where for the next 15 years, he continued to fly. 
In 1988, he transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve as a Master Aviator and Captain. He was promoted to Major and assigned to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, retiring as Lt. Col. USAR in 2002.

FedEx hired him as a pilot in 1974. He flew around the world for the company, eventually rising to the rank as captain. Drago retired in 2006.

Since 2010, Drago has been active with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, assigned as pilot.