Obituary of Donald Wagner

Lt. Colonel Donald Eugene Wagner, 91, son of the late George Lewis Wagner, and Florence Lucille (Maurer) Wagner of Stamford CT, died after a prolonged and determined fight with cancer on Sunday July 7, 2013.

Donald graduated from Stamford High School in Stamford, CT in 1939 and later married his childhood sweetheart Beverly as he headed off to war. He attended Florida State University, The University of Alabama and The University of Maryland. During his military career he also attended the Air Force Squadron Officers School and the Command & Staff College at the Air University.

Lt. Colonel Wagner enlisted in the Army Air Corps in October 1940, was appointed a Warrant Officer in 1942 and commissioned as an officer in the Army Air Force in August of 1944. He flew 43 combat missions as a B-25 strafer-bomber pilot with the famed 345th Bomb Group (The Air Apaches) in the southwest Pacific participating in eight major campaigns including the occupation of Japan two weeks after the war ended. In post World War II and throughout the Korean conflict he was a jet fighter pilot. His flying career spanned an unprecedented array of 24 different military aircraft starting with biplanes at basic training, propeller driven bombers and fighters, transitioning into the first jets and culminating with the mach two F-104.

His military honors include: The Distinguished Flying Cross, The Air Medal with Cluster, The Air Force Commendation Medal with Cluster, The United States Presidential Unit Citations with Cluster, The Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, WWII Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Philippine Independence Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 8 Campaign Stars and several other service medals.

Leaving the Air Force after 25 years service, Lt. Colonel Wagner was employed for 10 years with the Communications Satellite Corporation in Washington DC where he served as Director of Administrative Planning prior to retiring. After his wife Beverly passed in 2003, Donald moved to Raleigh, NC to be closer to his sons. He was active with the Apex chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association and was the featured speaker at the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, VA at annual B-25 exhibitions and flying the aircraft at the age of 89.

Lt. Colonel Wagner was a Life Member of the Daedalians National Society of Military Pilots, The Retired Officers Association, The Experimental Aircraft Association, The 345th Bomb Group Association, The 500th Bomb Squadron Association, serving in president and vice presidential roles, The 31st Fighter Group Officers Association, The Air Force Association, The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and held a FAA certified commercial Pilots rating.

He survived by his two sons, Randy S. Wagner and wife Susan of Cary, NC, Scott V. Wagner and wife Lou Anne of Virginia Beach, VA and three grandchildren, Scott Wagner of Atlanta, GA, Kristen Wagner of Santa Monica, CA, and Nicole Wagner of Raleigh, NC.

He was an incredible human being, a true Patriot from the Greatest Generation and will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Internment will be at the Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined. Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27603. Condolences may be made at www.montlawn.com