EAU CLAIRE, WI—William R. Fredenberg, a decorated combat veteran who was a member of the Menominee Nation of Wisconsin, died on July 21. He was 89.

Fredenberg enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1942. He served in World War II, when he was shot down in France and taken as a prisoner of war.

As a prisoner, Fredenberg led a daring escape of 13 fellow prisoners. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters for his efforts.

Fredenberg enlisted in the Air Force a second time in 1950 and served in Vietnam, where he distinguished himself and received another Distinguished Flying Cross. He retired from active duty in 1969 with the rank of major and having been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters and the Air Medal with 15 oak leaf clusters.

“On behalf of the Menominee Indian Tribe, I extend to Major Fredenberg’s wife Elizabeth and to his children our heartfelt sympathy. We also express our deepest appreciation for his extraordinary service to our country,” Chairman Craig Corn stated. “His continuous acts of bravery in the face of adversity will forever remain symbolic of a Menominee warrior.”