Thomas V. Draude (born April 25, 1940) is a retired

United States Marine The United States Marine Corps (USMC), also referred to as the United States Marines, is the maritime land force service branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations through combi ...

Brigadier General Brigadier general or Brigade general is a military rank used in many countries. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries. The rank is usually above a colonel, and below a major general or divisional general. When appointed ...

. Draude retired in 1993 after 31 years of military service. Since retirement, Draude served with

USAA The United Services Automobile Association (USAA) is a San Antonio-based Fortune 500 diversified financial services group of companies including a Texas Department of Insurance-regulated reciprocal inter-insurance exchange and subsidiaries offeri ...

and the

Marine Corps University Marine Corps University is a professional military education university system of the United States Marine Corps. It is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Master's Degrees. ...

Foundation. He is currently an adjunct faculty member of

University of South Florida The University of South Florida (USF) is a public research university with its main campus located in Tampa, Florida, and other campuses in St. Petersburg and Sarasota. It is one of 12 members of the State University System of Florida. USF i ...

Tampa, Florida Tampa () is a city on the Gulf Coast of the United States, Gulf Coast of the U.S. state of Florida. The city's borders include the north shore of Tampa Bay and the east shore of Old Tampa Bay. Tampa is the largest city in the Tampa Bay area and ...

, teaching on courses on The Vietnam War and U.S. Military War Doctrine.

Early life

Thomas V. Draude was born on April 25, 1940, in Kankakee, Illinois. His father, Henry Joseph Draude, was a German immigrant who worked as a plumber and steam fitter from age 14 until his death in 1978. His mother, Marjorie Cloonen Draude, daughter of Irish immigrants, was a registered nurse and the Kankakee County Tuberculosis nurse at the time of her death in 1960. His sister, Helen Ingram, died in 1992. His other sister, Sharon, resides in Kankakee. Draude graduated as Valedictorian from St. Patrick Central High School (now

Bishop McNamara High School Bishop McNamara High School (BMHS or McNamara) is a private, Catholic coed high school in Forestville CDP in unincorporated Prince George's County, Maryland.U.S. Naval Academy in 1962 and was selected to compete as a Rhodes Scholar. While at the academy he was a member of the Plebe Football team and President of the Cardinal Neuman Club.

Marine Corps career

He was selected to remain after graduation from Annapolis to teach drill and marksmanship to the incoming plebe Class of 1966. He then served as an Assistant Operations officer until reporting to

The Basic School The Basic School (TBS) is where all newly commissioned and appointed (for warrant officers) United States Marine Corps officers are taught the basics of being an "Officer of Marines". The Basic School is located at Camp Barrett, Quantico, Vi ...

in December 1962. He graduated with honors in June 1963 and reported to 3rd Battalion 1st Marines,

Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is the major West Coast base of the United States Marine Corps and is one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the United States. It is on the Southern California coast in San Diego County and is bordered by O ...

. This unit was part of the 30 month Transplacement Program which formed in Camp Pendleton, sailed to Okinawa for 13 months and was designated

1st Battalion 3rd Marines 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines (1/3) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Nicknamed the "Lava Dogs", the battalion consists of approximately 800 Marines and sailors and falls under the comm ...

. At the end of its overseas period, it sailed back to Camp Pendleton and was re-designated 1st Battalion 7th Marines. Draude began as a weapons platoon commander and then became a rifle platoon commander. In March 1964 he and his reinforced platoon were deployed from

Okinawa is a prefecture of Japan. Okinawa Prefecture is the southernmost and westernmost prefecture of Japan, has a population of 1,457,162 (as of 2 February 2020) and a geographic area of 2,281 km2 (880 sq mi). Naha is the capital and largest city ...

to Da Nang, South Vietnam. The platoon was to provide security for the Marine Air Base Squadron supporting Marine helicopter squadrons which were supporting South Vietnamese Armed Forces. This platoon also was part of the security for Da Nang Air Base and elements spent time with

U.S. Army Special Forces The United States Army Special Forces (SF), colloquially known as the "Green Berets" due to their distinctive service headgear, are a special operations force of the United States Army. The Green Berets are geared towards nine doctrinal m ...

units at

Khe Sanh Khe Sanh is the district capital of Hướng Hoá District, Quảng Trị Province, Vietnam, located 63 km west of Đông Hà. During the Vietnam War, the Khe Sanh Combat Base was located to the north of the city. The Battle of Khe San ...

and A Shau. Upon their return to Okinawa, Draude became the company executive officer and was later selected to be the battalion adjutant. The battalion mounted out in response to the Gulf of Tonkin attack and remained afloat until its return to Okinawa, then back to California. In preparation for sure participation in the

Vietnam War The Vietnam War (also known by other names) was a conflict in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. It was the second of the Indochina Wars and was officially fought between North Vietnam a ...

, the battalion participated in Operation Silver Lance, in January 1965, in amphibious exercise simulating challenges it would face later. In May 1965 it deployed as the lead element of RLT-7 led by Colonel (later General)

Oscar Peatross Oscar Franklin Peatross (March 2, 1916 – May 26, 1993) was a highly decorated officer of the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general who served as Marine Raider in World War II and was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordin ...

. Upon return to Okinawa it was designated the

Seventh Fleet The Seventh Fleet is a numbered fleet of the United States Navy. It is headquartered at U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka, in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is part of the United States Pacific Fleet. At present, it is the largest of ...

Special Landing Force and took part in

Operation Starlite Operation Starlite (also known in Vietnam as Battle of Van Tuong) was the first major offensive action conducted by a purely U.S. military unit during the Vietnam War from 18 to 24 August 1965. The operation was launched based on intelligence p ...

, the largest U.S. operation in South Vietnam up to that time. Draude served as battalion adjutant until October 1965 when he returned to Company "M", where he had started two years earlier, as executive officer. In January 1966 his company commander was wounded and evacuated. Draude took command and remained until August, extending his tour in Vietnam to remain with his company. During his tour he was promoted to captain and took part in operations near

Chu Lai Chu Lai is a seaport, urban and industrial area in Núi Thành District, Quảng Nam Province, Vietnam. The city is served by Chu Lai International Airport. It is also the site of the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone (Vietnamese: ''Với Khu Kinh T� ...

. For his actions he received two awards of the

Silver Star Medal The Silver Star Medal (SSM) is the United States Armed Forces' third-highest military decoration for valor in combat. The Silver Star Medal is awarded primarily to members of the United States Armed Forces for gallantry in action against an en ...

, the Purple Heart Medal, the

Combat Action Ribbon The Combat Action Ribbon (CAR, ), is a high precedence United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, and United States Marine Corps military decoration awarded to United States sea service members "who have actively participated in ground or ...

, and the

Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross also known as the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross or Vietnam Cross of Gallantry ( vi, Anh-Dũng Bội-Tinh) is a military decoration of the former Government of South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam). The medal ...

Medal with Palm. Draude was then assigned as one of the first groups of Marine Instructors at the U.S. Army's

John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School The U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School (SWCS) – known informally as "Swick" – primarily trains and educates United States Army personnel for the United States Army Special Operations Command and United States Specia ...

. For his service he received the

Army Commendation Medal The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces issues its own version of the Commendation Medal, with a fifth ...

. He then attended the Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, graduating with honors, and continued at the Marine Advisor Course in preparation for his assignment to the

Republic of Vietnam Marine Corps The Republic of Vietnam Marine Division (RVNMD, vi, Sư Đoàn Thủy Quân Lục Chiến QLC was part of the armed forces of South Vietnam. It was established by Ngo Dinh Diem in 1954 when he was Prime Minister of the State of Vietnam, which b ...

. Arriving in Saigon in May 1969 he initially joined the 6th Battalion for operations in Tay Ninh to eject People's Army of Vietnam forces. For his actions, he was awarded the

Navy Commendation Medal The Commendation Medal is a mid-level United States military decoration presented for sustained acts of heroism or meritorious service. Each branch of the United States Armed Forces issues its own version of the Commendation Medal, with a fifth ...

with Combat "V". He served subsequently as an assistant brigade advisor and senior advisor to the 5th Battalion. This was during the

Vietnamization Vietnamization was a policy of the Richard Nixon administration to end U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War through a program to "expand, equip, and train South Vietnamese forces and assign to them an ever-increasing combat role, at the same t ...

phase of the war with more responsibilities assigned to the Vietnamese units as U.S. forces drew down. The area of operations for 5th Battalion was primarily IV Corps and eventually

Cambodia Cambodia (; also Kampuchea ; km, កម្ពុជា, UNGEGN: ), officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia, spanning an area of , bordered by Thailan ...

as part of the 1970 invasion. For his service with the Vietnamese he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V", the

with

Bronze Star The Bronze Star Medal (BSM) is a United States Armed Forces decoration awarded to members of the United States Armed Forces for either heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. Wh ...

, and the Vietnamese Honor Medal, First Class.

Silver Star citation

Citation:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Thomas V. Draude (MCSN: 0-89211), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company M, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 21 April 1966, the Company was engaged in a search and destroy operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in Quang Ngai Province when two of Captain Draude's platoons came under intense small arms, automatic weapons and mortar fire from a well concealed and entrenched Viet Cong unit of company size. Without hesitation, Captain Draude immediately moved to the point of contact to observe the hamlet and to personally supervise the maneuver of his Company. Realizing the strength of the enemy, he withdrew his units to a safe position and effectively used every supporting weapon available to him to annihilate the enemy positions. In the late daylight hours, Captain Draude against attacked the hamlet. With full knowledge of the hazards involved, and with complete disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire while directing the operations of his forces. He moved from position to position, encouraging his men, while setting an example of calmness and courage. In the vigorous assault, the enemy was routed from the hamlet. By the light of the burning huts, Captain Draude swiftly organized his position and swiftly set about retrieving and evacuating the Company's dead and wounded. Although physically exhausted, Captain Draude searched the burning hamlet to insure that every member of the Command was accounted for. On finding a mortally wounded Marine who had been overlooked earlier, Captain Draude carried the injured man to the evacuation point, 400 meters away. Largely as a result of Captain Draude's professional ability and stirring example, thirty-one Viet Cong were killed. By his valiant actions, extraordinary courage and inspiring leadership throughout, Captain Draude upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

Post Vietnam career

Draude reported to the

United States Naval Academy The United States Naval Academy (US Naval Academy, USNA, or Navy) is a federal service academy in Annapolis, Maryland. It was established on 10 October 1845 during the tenure of George Bancroft as Secretary of the Navy. The Naval Academy ...

in June 1970 and served two years as a Company Officer and one year as Brigade Performance Officer. For his three years of service he was awarded a

Meritorious Service Medal A Meritorious Service Medal is an award presented to denote acts of meritorious service, and sometimes gallantry, that are worthy of recognition. Notable medals with similar names include: * Meritorious Civilian Service Award *Meritorious Service Me ...

. During this tour he was promoted to major. Reporting to

Frankfurt Frankfurt, officially Frankfurt am Main (; Hessian: , " Frank ford on the Main"), is the most populous city in the German state of Hesse. Its 791,000 inhabitants as of 2022 make it the fifth-most populous city in Germany. Located on it ...

West Germany West Germany is the colloquial term used to indicate the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG; german: Bundesrepublik Deutschland , BRD) between its formation on 23 May 1949 and the German reunification through the accession of East Germany on 3 O ...

he assumed command of Company "A" Marine Security Guard Battalion. His command of Marine Security Guards at Embassies and Consulates stretched from Moscow, USSR, to Reykjavik, Iceland, to

Nicosia, Cyprus Nicosia ( ; el, Λευκωσία, Lefkosía ; tr, Lefkoşa ; hy, Նիկոսիա, romanized: ''Nikosia''; Cypriot Arabic: Nikusiya) is the largest city, capital, and seat of government of Cyprus. It is located near the centre of the Mesaori ...

. In 1975 he reported as a student at the

U.S. Army Command and General Staff College The United States Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC or, obsolete, USACGSC) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is a graduate school for United States Army and sister service officers, interagency representatives, and international military ...

, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. He graduated with honors and with a Master of Military Art and Service degree. His Master's paper was on the relief of battalion commanders and below during the Vietnam War. In 1976 Draude became the executive officer,

1st Battalion, 5th Marines 1st Battalion, 5th Marines (1/5) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California consisting of approximately 800 Marines and sailors. Nicknamed ''Geronimo'', it falls under ...

, and later the S-4 of the 5th Marines. During a Palm Tree exercise at

29 Palms 9 (nine) is the natural number following and preceding . Evolution of the Arabic digit In the beginning, various Indians wrote a digit 9 similar in shape to the modern closing question mark without the bottom dot. The Kshatrapa, Andhra and ...

featuring a mechanized task force, he tested a concept of logistic support which proved successful. He then spent a year in Okinawa as the III MAF assistant plans officer. This tour culminated with a multi-battalion exercise on Okinawa named Fortress Gale. During this tour he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. His next assignment was at

Headquarters Marine Corps Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) is a headquarters staff within the Department of the Navy which includes the offices of the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps and various staff functions. The function, ...

, as an action officer in the Joint Strategic Planning Branch. His responsibilities included the Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan, the Joint Strategic Long Range Appraisal, and various special projects. He was awarded a second

for his performance. He was then assigned to the National War College as a student, graduating in 1982. Reporting to Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific ( United States Marine Corps Forces Pacific) in Hawaii, he was assigned to the G-3 section as Ground Operations officer. Selected to the grade of

Colonel Colonel (abbreviated as Col., Col or COL) is a senior military officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations. In the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, a colonel was typically in charge o ...

in 1983, he then became inspector of FMF, Pac until his assignment as G-1 FMF. In 1985 he reported to First Marine Division as G-3. In this assignment he developed a concept of division command post configuration stressing survivability and mobility to include night displacements with tactical and jump command posts. He then returned to the "Fighting Fifth Marines" as its commanding officer. He focused the regiment on the next war, emphasizing fire support coordination and practicing Suppression of Enemy Air Defense with artillery fire protecting close air support aircraft. Draude served as commanding officer of 5th Marine Regiment from 15 May 1986 to 9 November 1987. In 1987 Draude reported to Headquarters Marine Corps for duty as the Secretary of the General Staff working for the Chief of Staff of the Marine Corps. Selected to the grade of brigadier general in 1989, he was assigned to the Pentagon under the

Deputy Secretary of Defense The deputy secretary of defense (acronym: DepSecDef) is a statutory office () and the second-highest-ranking official in the Department of Defense of the United States of America. The deputy secretary is the principal civilian deputy to the sec ...

. His assignment was to implement

David Packard David Packard ( ; September 7, 1912 – March 26, 1996) was an American electrical engineer and co-founder, with Bill Hewlett, of Hewlett-Packard (1939), serving as president (1947–64), CEO (1964–68), and chairman of the board (1964–68 ...

's Defense Management Report, designed to improve efficiencies and find savings in the

United States Department of Defense The United States Department of Defense (DoD, USDOD or DOD) is an executive branch department of the federal government charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government directly related to national sec ...

. At the end of one year the implementations was completed, and he volunteered to serve in Desert Shield. For his service he was awarded the

Defense Distinguished Service Medal The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is a military decoration of the United States Department of Defense, which is presented to United States Armed Forces service members for exceptionally distinguished performance of duty contributing to the ...

. Assigned to be the Assistant Division Commander of the First Marine Division, he joined the division in

Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), is a country in Western Asia. It covers the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and has a land area of about , making it the fifth-largest country in Asia, the second-largest in the A ...

in October 1990. The division's focus changed from defensive to offensive in November with the arrival of the

Second Marine Division The 2nd Marine Division (2nd MARDIV) is a division of the United States Marine Corps, which forms the ground combat element of the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF). The division is based at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina ...

. Draude's focus was on the logistics support of the division as well as planning artillery raids and the assault into

Kuwait Kuwait (; ar, الكويت ', or ), officially the State of Kuwait ( ar, دولة الكويت '), is a country in Western Asia. It is situated in the northern edge of Eastern Arabia at the tip of the Persian Gulf, bordering Iraq to the nort ...

. He was also designated the deception officer for Marine Forces using amphibious forces,

tank A tank is an armoured fighting vehicle intended as a primary offensive weapon in front-line ground combat. Tank designs are a balance of heavy firepower, strong armour, and good battlefield mobility provided by tracks and a powerful engi ...

s, artificial tanks and

artillery Artillery is a class of heavy military ranged weapons that launch munitions far beyond the range and power of infantry firearms. Early artillery development focused on the ability to breach defensive walls and fortifications during siege ...

pieces, and Task Force Troy to achieve surprise and capture of most of the Iraqi forces. For his performance he was awarded the

Legion of Merit Medal The Legion of Merit (LOM) is a military award of the United States Armed Forces that is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements. The decoration is issued to members of the eight ...

with Combat "V". His final assignment was Director of Public Affairs at

. His focus was maintaining the positive relationship established with the members of the media in Desert Shield/

Desert Storm The Gulf War was a 1990–1991 armed campaign waged by a 35-country military coalition in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Spearheaded by the United States, the coalition's efforts against Iraq were carried out in two key phases: ...

to enable the Marine Corps to tell its story to the American people. He also restructured the enlisted Public Affairs training to produce Marines capable of being spokespersons in all media channels. From March 1992 until his retirement he also served as President George H. W. Bush's Commission on the Assignment of women in the Armed Forces, one of two active duty personnel on the 15 member commission. It studied, reviewed, interviewed, and traveled for nine months before submitting its recommendations. In the process, it raised questions about the role of women in the military and raised the conscientiousness of the American people to this issue. Draude recommended that women be given a chance to qualify for positions previously denied them aboard combatant vessels and in combat aviation, and then be allowed to serve. After 30 years of active service, Draude retired in 1992. For his years of service he was awarded the Navy Distinguished Service Medal at a ceremony conducted by his dearest friend (and former Commandant of the Marine Corps) General Charles C. Krulak, USMC.

After retirement

In February 1993 Draude began his next career with USAA, headquartered in

San Antonio ("Cradle of Freedom") , image_map = , mapsize = 220px , map_caption = Interactive map of San Antonio , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = United States , subdivision_type1= State , subdivision_name1 = Texas , subdivision_t ...

Texas Texas (, ; Spanish: ''Texas'', ''Tejas'') is a state in the South Central region of the United States. At 268,596 square miles (695,662 km2), and with more than 29.1 million residents in 2020, it is the second-largest U.S. state by ...

. He began as vice president of Support Services at the home office and was in charge of the vehicles and aircraft, printing and publishing, food services, supply and storage, and retail stores in the company. Assigned as senior vice president and general manager of USAA's Western Region of its Property and Casualty line, Draude headed operations covering California, Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, and Nevada. At this time USAA began expanding membership to enlisted members of the Armed Forces and their families as well as to officers. In response, Draude established a "Military 101" course for employees, most of whom had no military experience, to aid in their support of this expanding membership. In February 1995 he was transferred to

to head the Southeast Region and its 1700 employees. The region covered the states of

South Carolina )'' Animis opibusque parati'' ( for, , Latin, Prepared in mind and resources, links=no) , anthem = " Carolina";" South Carolina On My Mind" , Former = Province of South Carolina , seat = Columbia , LargestCity = Charleston , LargestMetro = ...

Georgia Georgia most commonly refers to: * Georgia (country), a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia * Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the Southeast United States Georgia may also refer to: Places Historical states and entities * Related to the ...

Florida Florida is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean, and to ...

Alabama (We dare defend our rights) , anthem = "Alabama" , image_map = Alabama in United States.svg , seat = Montgomery , LargestCity = Huntsville , LargestCounty = Baldwin County , LargestMetro = Greater Birmingham , area_total_km2 = 135,765 ...

Mississippi Mississippi () is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States, bordered to the north by Tennessee; to the east by Alabama; to the south by the Gulf of Mexico; to the southwest by Louisiana; and to the northwest by Arkansas. Miss ...

Louisiana Louisiana , group=pronunciation (French: ''La Louisiane'') is a state in the Deep South and South Central regions of the United States. It is the 20th-smallest by area and the 25th most populous of the 50 U.S. states. Louisiana is borde ...

, and the Caribbean Islands, and represented approximately 20% of the total USAA membership. In the Spring of 2004, General Draude was contacted by

General A general officer is an officer of high rank in the armies, and in some nations' air forces, space forces, and marines or naval infantry. In some usages the term "general officer" refers to a rank above colonel."general, adj. and n.". OED ...

Carl E. Mundy who was Chairman of the Marine Corps University Foundation in

Quantico, Virginia Quantico ( or ; formerly Potomac) is a town in Prince William County, Virginia, United States. The population was 480 at the 2010 census. Quantico is approximately 35 miles southwest of Washington, DC, bordered by the Potomac River to the east ...

. The Foundation was seeking a new CEO and General Draude was asked to consider competing for the position. He was selected and began his service in September 2004. The Foundation is the development arm for the

(MCU) as well as the support of the Operating Forces and Supporting Establishment of the entire Marine Corps. Its focus is on Professional Military Education and Leadership provided by Academic Chairs, visiting scholars, battlefield studies and other related activities. The Foundation also provided the initial funding for the Leadership Communication Skills Center in 2005 that ensured the re-accreditation of MCU by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). MCUF did so again in 2015 with its funding of The Center for Problem Solving and Critical Thinking, an additional MCU educational program, to complete the SACS requirement for re-accreditation. MCUF also initiated the Center for Case Studies which uses the Case Method to educate Marines at MCU,

, and throughout the Marine Corps, from the grades of private to general officer. General Draude also taught an elective at the

Marine Corps Command and Staff College Marine Corps University is a professional military education university system of the United States Marine Corps. It is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Master's Degrees. H ...

(C&SC). His course on Information Operations satisfied the academic requirement for awarding the additional Military Occupational Specialty of Information Operations Staff Officer. Nearly one hundred Marine Officers were eligible for this specialty designation as a result of completing this elective and participating in the C&SC's Exercise "Nine Innings" at the end of the Academic Year. For his service to MCU, it awarded General Draude an honorary doctoral degree in Warfare Studies and the Leonard F. Chapman, Jr. Award for outstanding service to the Foundation. The Expeditionary Warfare School named its auditorium after him in recognition of his service to its students. He retired as president and CEO of MCUF on 30 June 2015 and is now residing with his wife Sandi in Tampa, Florida. His academic interests continue as he serves as an adjunct faculty member of The University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida.

Personal

Draude has been married to Marysandra Campagna Draude, a former Marine officer, since November 1966. They have three children:, Loree, a former naval aviator (

F/A-18 The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is an all-weather, twin-engine, supersonic, carrier-capable, multirole combat aircraft, designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft (hence the F/A designation). Designed by McDonnell Douglas (now part ...

and

Lockheed S-3 Viking The Lockheed S-3 Viking is a four-crew, twin-engine turbofan-powered jet aircraft designed and produced by the American aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Corporation. Because of its characteristic sound, it was nicknamed the "War Hoover" after th ...

); Patrick, a retired Naval Intelligence commander and now a military analyst for the Federal Government; and Ryan, Head of Loyalty and Digital at Giant Food LLC, and an adjunct professor of Loyalty Strategy at

Georgetown University Georgetown University is a private university, private research university in the Georgetown (Washington, D.C.), Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Founded by Bishop John Carroll (archbishop of Baltimore), John Carroll in 1789 as Georg ...

. They also have four grandchildren, Sam, Julia, Priya and Leena.

Decorations and medals

Brigadier General Draude's decorations and medals include: *Note: The gold US Navy Parachute Rigger badge was worn unofficially by USMC personnel in place of US Army parachutist badge from 1942 to 1963 before it officially became the Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist insignia on July 12, 1963, per BuPers Notice 1020. Members of the Marine Corps who attended jump school before 1963 were issued the silver Army parachutist badge but may be depicted wearing the gold Navy Parachute Rigger badge as it was common practice during this time period.

References

External links

BGen Thomas V. Draude, USMC (Ret)The United States Marine Corps HistoryA Woman at War"Lessons on Failure" speech, Bishop McNamara High School, Kankakee, IL, November 2017"Lessons on Commitment" speech, Jesuit High School, Tampa, Fl, December 2017"Being Catholic in War and Peace" speech, Faith & Ale, Ft.Myer, FL, January 2017
{{DEFAULTSORT:Draude, Thomas V. 1940 births Living people United States Marine Corps personnel of the Vietnam War United States Marine Corps personnel of the Gulf War United States Naval Academy alumni People from Kankakee, Illinois Recipients of the Silver Star Recipients of the Gallantry Cross (Vietnam) United States Marine Corps generals Recipients of the Legion of Merit Recipients of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal Recipients of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal Foreign Policy Research Institute Military personnel from Illinois