Thomas V. Draude
Encyclopedia
Brigadier General
Thomas V. Draude (born April 25, 1940) is a retired officer of the United States Marine Corps
. Since retirement, Draude served with USAA
and retired in 2003. He is currently President and CEO of the Marine Corps University
Foundation.
At the time of his retirement, Draude was serving as the Marine Corps Director of Public Affairs and was also a member of the Presidential Commissions on the Assignment of Women in the Armed Forces.
. His father, Henry Joseph Draude, was a German immigrant who worked as a plumber and team 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
) in 1958 and was captain of his school's first undefeated football team. He was selected to the McNamara Hall of Honor.
He graduated with distinction from the 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.
, Camp Pendleton. 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
. 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 to Da Nang
, South Vietnam
. The platoon was to provide security for the Marine Air Base Squadron supporting Marine helicopter squadrons which were arresting South Vietnamese Armed Forces. This platoon also was part of the security for the Da Nang airfield and elements spent time with U.S. Army Special Forces units in the Khe Sanh
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 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. Upon return to Okinawa it was designated the Seventh Fleet Special Landing Force and took part in Starlit, 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 Cha Lai. For his actions he received two awards of the Silver Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon
, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry 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. For his service he received the Army Commendation Medal. 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
.
Arriving in Saigon in May 1969 he initially joined the 6th Battalion for operations in Tay Ninh
to eject NVA forces. For his actions, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”. He served subsequently as an assistant brigade advisor and senior advisor to the 5th Battalion. This was the place of the war named “Vietnamization” 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 (South Vietnam)
and eventually Cambodia
as part of the 1970 invasion. For his service with the Vietnamese he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal
with Combat “V”, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, and the Vietnamese Honor Medal, First Class.
Draude reported to the U.S. 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. During this tour he was promoted to Major
.
Reporting to Frankfurt
, West Germany
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.
In 1975 he reported as a student at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, 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 he became the Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, and later the S-4 of the 5th Marines. During a Palm Tree exercise at 29 Palms 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
, 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 Meritorious Service Medal
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
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.
In 1987 he 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. His assignment was to implement David Packard
’s Defense Management Report, designed to improve efficiencies and find savings in the United States Department of Defense
. 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 Distinguished Service Medal
.
Assigned to be the Assistant Division Commander of the First Marine Division, he joined the division in Saudi Arabia
in October 1990. The division’s focus changed from defensive to offensive in November with the arrival of the Second Marine Division. Draude’s focus was on the logistics support of the division as well as planning artillery raids and the assault into Kuwait
. He was also designated the deception officer for Marine Forces using amphibious forces, tanks, artificial tanks and artillery
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 with Combat “V”.
His final assignment was Director of Public Affairs at Headquarters Marine Corps. His focus was maintaining the positive relationship established with the members of the media in Desert Shield/ Desert Storm 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 G.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 ½ years of active service, Draude retired at a Midnight Mass with family and friends on New Year’s Eve, 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.
. 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. After six months he was promoted to Senior Vice President of USAA’s Federal Savings Bank in charge of Administration and Marketing. During this period he headed the relocation of USAA’s Credit Card Center from Tulsa, OK to San Antonio. The bank was named "Best Bank in America” by Money
magazine as Draude left for Sacramento, CA.
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 Tampa, FL to head the Southeast Region and its 1700 employees. The region covered the states of South Carolina
, Georgia
, Florida
, Alabama
, Mississippi
, Louisiana
, and the Caribbean
Islands, and represented approximately 20% of the total USAA membership. Draude increased the size and exposure of its Military Affairs team to provide a USAA “face” to any military events or activities in the region. He retired after more than ten years in March 2003. The beach surrounding the lake at Tampa’s office is dedicated to him.
In September 2004 Draude assumed the position of CEO of the Marine Corps University
Foundation in Quantico, Virginia
. He was later designated as president of the Foundation which provides resources to enhance and enrich professional military education and leadership to the students at Marine Corps University as well as the operating forces and supporting establishment. Since his arrival the Foundation has been able to start another academic chair, on interactive media leadership program, a Leadership Communication Skills Center, and a Center for Case Method education. These efforts of the Foundation have benefited Marines and others throughout the world.
and husband of Kris, a United States Department of Energy
executive; and Ryan, a marketing executive in the financial services industry, husband of Tori and father of Priya and Leena.
Brigadier General
Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000...
Thomas V. Draude (born April 25, 1940) is a retired officer of the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
. Since retirement, Draude served with USAA
USAA
United Services Automobile Association is a Fortune 500 financial services company offering banking, investing, and insurance to people and families that serve, or served, in the United States military. In 2011, there were 8.4 million members. The company reported a net worth of $19.3 billion in...
and retired in 2003. He is currently President and CEO of the Marine Corps University
Marine Corps University
The Marine Corps University reports to the United States Marine Corps Training And Education Command. It was established on August 1, 1989 by General Alfred M...
Foundation.
At the time of his retirement, Draude was serving as the Marine Corps Director of Public Affairs and was also a member of the Presidential Commissions on the Assignment of Women in the Armed Forces.
Early life
Thomas V. Draude was born on April 25, 1940 in Kankakee, IllinoisKankakee, Illinois
Kankakee is a city in Kankakee County, Illinois, USA. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 25,561, and 26,840 as of a 2009 estimate. It is the county seat of Kankakee County...
. His father, Henry Joseph Draude, was a German immigrant who worked as a plumber and team 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
Bishop McNamara High School, a college preparatory school in the Holy Cross tradition, is in Forestville, Maryland. It is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.-History:...
) in 1958 and was captain of his school's first undefeated football team. He was selected to the McNamara Hall of Honor.
He graduated with distinction from the 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 separating to The Basic School in December 1962. He graduated with honors in June 1963 and reported to 3rd Battalion 1st Marines3rd Battalion 1st Marines
3rd Battalion 1st Marines is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Camp Horno on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California...
, Camp Pendleton. 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
1st Battalion, 3rd Marines 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 command of the 3rd Marine Regiment of the 3rd Marine...
. At the end of its overseas period, it sailed back to Camp Pendleton and was re-designated 1st Battalion 7th Marines
1st Battalion 7th Marines
The 1st Battalion, 7th Marines is an infantry battalion of the United States Marine Corps. They are based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms and consist of approximately 1000 Marines. Famous Marines who have served in 1/7 include Chesty Puller and John Basilone...
.
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 to Da Nang
Da Nang
Đà Nẵng , occasionally Danang, is a major port city in the South Central Coast of Vietnam, on the coast of the South China Sea at the mouth of the Han River. It is the commercial and educational center of Central Vietnam; its well-sheltered, easily accessible port and its location on the path of...
, South Vietnam
South Vietnam
South Vietnam was a state which governed southern Vietnam until 1975. It received international recognition in 1950 as the "State of Vietnam" and later as the "Republic of Vietnam" . Its capital was Saigon...
. The platoon was to provide security for the Marine Air Base Squadron supporting Marine helicopter squadrons which were arresting South Vietnamese Armed Forces. This platoon also was part of the security for the Da Nang airfield and elements spent time with U.S. Army Special Forces units in the Khe Sanh
Khe Sanh
Khe Sanh is the district capital of Hướng Hoá District, Quảng Trị Province, Vietnam, located 63 km west of Đông Hà.Khe Sanh Combat Base was a United States Marine Corps outpost in South Vietnam used during the Vietnam War. The airstrip was built in September 1962...
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
Gulf of Tonkin
The Gulf of Tonkin is an arm of the South China Sea, lying off the coast of northeastern Vietnam.-Etymology:The name Tonkin, written "東京" in Hán tự and Đông Kinh in romanised Vietnamese, means "Eastern Capital", and is the former toponym for Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam...
attack and remained afloat until its return to Okinawa, then back to California.
In preparation for sure participation in the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
, 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. Upon return to Okinawa it was designated the Seventh Fleet Special Landing Force and took part in Starlit, 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 Cha Lai. For his actions he received two awards of the Silver Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon
Combat Action Ribbon
The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal military decoration of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard which is awarded to those who, in any grade including and below that of a Captain in the Navy and Coast Guard , have actively participated in ground or...
, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry 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. For his service he received the Army Commendation Medal. 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
Republic of Vietnam Marine Corps
The Republic of Vietnam Marine Corps ) was part of the armed forces of the Republic of Vietnam . It was established by Ngo Dinh Diem in 1954 when he was Prime Minister of the State of Vietnam, which became the Republic of Vietnam in 1955. The longest-serving commander was Lieutenant General Le...
.
Arriving in Saigon in May 1969 he initially joined the 6th Battalion for operations in Tay Ninh
Tay Ninh
Tây Ninh is a town in southwestern Vietnam. It is the capital of Tay Ninh province, which encompasses the town and much of the surrounding farmland....
to eject NVA forces. For his actions, he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”. He served subsequently as an assistant brigade advisor and senior advisor to the 5th Battalion. This was the place of the war named “Vietnamization” 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 (South Vietnam)
IV Corps (South Vietnam)
The IV Corps was a corps of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam , the army of the nation state of South Vietnam that existed from 1955 to 1975...
and eventually Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
as part of the 1970 invasion. For his service with the Vietnamese he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal
Bronze Star Medal
The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the...
with Combat “V”, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, and the Vietnamese Honor Medal, First Class.
Draude reported to the U.S. 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. During this tour he was promoted to Major
Major
Major is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ...
.
Reporting to Frankfurt
Frankfurt
Frankfurt am Main , commonly known simply as Frankfurt, is the largest city in the German state of Hesse and the fifth-largest city in Germany, with a 2010 population of 688,249. The urban area had an estimated population of 2,300,000 in 2010...
, West Germany
West Germany
West Germany is the common English, but not official, name for the Federal Republic of Germany or FRG in the period between its creation in May 1949 to German reunification on 3 October 1990....
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.
In 1975 he reported as a student at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas
Leavenworth, Kansas
Leavenworth is the largest city and county seat of Leavenworth County, in the U.S. state of Kansas and within the Kansas City, Missouri Metropolitan Area. Located in the northeast portion of the state, it is on the west bank of the Missouri River. As of the 2010 census, the city population was...
. 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 he became the Executive Officer, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, and later the S-4 of the 5th Marines. During a Palm Tree exercise at 29 Palms 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
Lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
.
His next assignment was at Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps
Headquarters Marine Corps 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...
, 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 Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service Medal (United States)
The Meritorious Service Medal is a military decoration presented to members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguished themselves by outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States subsequent to January 16, 1969...
for his performance. He was then assigned to the National War College
National War College
The National War College of the United States is a school in the National Defense University. It is housed in Roosevelt Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., the third-oldest Army post still active. It was officially established on July 1, 1946, as an upgraded replacement for the...
as a student, graduating in 1982.
Reporting to Headquarters, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific (United States Marine Corps Forces Pacific
United States Marine Corps Forces Pacific
Marine Forces Pacific are the forces from the United States Marine Corps that fall under the United States Pacific Command. It is the largest field command in the Marine Corps. Headquartered at Camp H. M...
) in Hawaii, he was assigned to the G-3 section as Ground Operations officer. Selected to the grade of Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
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.
In 1987 he 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
The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington County, Virginia. As a symbol of the U.S. military, "the Pentagon" is often used metonymically to refer to the Department of Defense rather than the building itself.Designed by the American architect...
under the Deputy Secretary of Defense. His assignment was to implement David Packard
David Packard
David Packard was a co-founder of Hewlett-Packard , serving as president , CEO , and Chairman of the Board . He served as U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense from 1969–1971 during the Nixon administration...
’s Defense Management Report, designed to improve efficiencies and find savings in the United States Department of Defense
United States Department of Defense
The United States Department of Defense is the U.S...
. 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 Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
.
Assigned to be the Assistant Division Commander of the First Marine Division, he joined the division in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , commonly known in British English as Saudi Arabia and in Arabic as as-Sa‘ūdiyyah , is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab World...
in October 1990. The division’s focus changed from defensive to offensive in November with the arrival of the Second Marine Division. Draude’s focus was on the logistics support of the division as well as planning artillery raids and the assault into Kuwait
Kuwait
The State of Kuwait is a sovereign Arab state situated in the north-east of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south at Khafji, and Iraq to the north at Basra. It lies on the north-western shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Kuwait is derived from the...
. He was also designated the deception officer for Marine Forces using amphibious forces, tanks, artificial tanks and artillery
Artillery
Originally applied to any group of infantry primarily armed with projectile weapons, artillery has over time become limited in meaning to refer only to those engines of war that operate by projection of munitions far beyond the range of effect of personal weapons...
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 with Combat “V”.
His final assignment was Director of Public Affairs at Headquarters Marine Corps. His focus was maintaining the positive relationship established with the members of the media in Desert Shield/ Desert Storm 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 G.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 ½ years of active service, Draude retired at a Midnight Mass with family and friends on New Year’s Eve, 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
Charles C. Krulak
General Charles Chandler Krulak served as the 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps from July 1, 1995 to June 30, 1999. He is the son of Lieutenant General Victor H. "Brute" Krulak, USMC, who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam...
, USMC.
Post retirement
In February 1993 Draude began his next career with USAA, headquartered in San Antonio, TexasTexas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. 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. After six months he was promoted to Senior Vice President of USAA’s Federal Savings Bank in charge of Administration and Marketing. During this period he headed the relocation of USAA’s Credit Card Center from Tulsa, OK to San Antonio. The bank was named "Best Bank in America” by Money
Money (magazine)
Money is published by Time Inc. Its first issue was published in October 1972. Its articles cover the gamut of personal finance topics ranging from investing, saving, retirement and taxes to family finance issues like paying for college, credit, career and home improvement...
magazine as Draude left for Sacramento, CA.
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 Tampa, FL to head the Southeast Region and its 1700 employees. The region covered the states of South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
, Florida
Florida
Florida is a state in the southeastern United States, located on the nation's Atlantic and Gulf coasts. It is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the north by Alabama and Georgia and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of 18,801,310 as measured by the 2010 census, it...
, Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
, Mississippi
Mississippi
Mississippi is a U.S. state located in the Southern United States. Jackson is the state capital and largest city. The name of the state derives from the Mississippi River, which flows along its western boundary, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word misi-ziibi...
, Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
, and the Caribbean
Caribbean
The Caribbean is a crescent-shaped group of islands more than 2,000 miles long separating the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, to the west and south, from the Atlantic Ocean, to the east and north...
Islands, and represented approximately 20% of the total USAA membership. Draude increased the size and exposure of its Military Affairs team to provide a USAA “face” to any military events or activities in the region. He retired after more than ten years in March 2003. The beach surrounding the lake at Tampa’s office is dedicated to him.
In September 2004 Draude assumed the position of CEO of the Marine Corps University
Marine Corps University
The Marine Corps University reports to the United States Marine Corps Training And Education Command. It was established on August 1, 1989 by General Alfred M...
Foundation in Quantico, Virginia
Quantico, Virginia
- Demographics :As of the census of 2000, there are 561 people, 295 households, and 107 families living in the town. The population density is . There are 359 housing units at an average density of .-Racial composition:...
. He was later designated as president of the Foundation which provides resources to enhance and enrich professional military education and leadership to the students at Marine Corps University as well as the operating forces and supporting establishment. Since his arrival the Foundation has been able to start another academic chair, on interactive media leadership program, a Leadership Communication Skills Center, and a Center for Case Method education. These efforts of the Foundation have benefited Marines and others throughout the world.
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 and Lockheed S-3 Viking), now head of marketing for PayNearMe and the wife of Harry Hirschman (a former Naval aviator (F/A-18)) and mother of Sam and Julia; Patrick, a Navy Intelligence CommanderCommander
Commander is a naval rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. Commander is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the armed forces, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Commander as a naval...
and husband of Kris, a United States Department of Energy
United States Department of Energy
The United States Department of Energy is a Cabinet-level department of the United States government concerned with the United States' policies regarding energy and safety in handling nuclear material...
executive; and Ryan, a marketing executive in the financial services industry, husband of Tori and father of Priya and Leena.
Decorations and medals
Brigadier General Draude's decorations and medals include: |
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| Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia Parachutist Badge (United States) The Parachutist Badge, also commonly referred to as "Jump Wings" or "Snow Cone", is a military badge of the United States Armed Forces awarded to members of the United States Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy... |
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| 1st Row | Defense Distinguished Service Medal Defense Distinguished Service Medal The Defense Distinguished Service Medal is a United States military award which is presented for exceptionally distinguished performance of duty contributing to national security or defense of the United States... |
Navy Distinguished Service Medal Navy Distinguished Service Medal The Navy Distinguished Service Medal is a military award of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps which was first created in 1919. The decoration is the Navy and Marine Corps equivalent to the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Coast... |
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| 2nd Row | Silver Star Silver Star The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.... w/ gold star Gold Star The Gold Star medal is a special insignia that identifies recipients of the title "Hero" in the Soviet Union and its communist allies, and several post-Soviet states.-Soviet origin:... |
Legion of Merit Legion of Merit The Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements... w/ valor device Valor device The Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor... |
Bronze Star Medal Bronze Star Medal The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. As a medal it is awarded for merit, and with the "V" for valor device it is awarded for heroism. It is the fourth-highest combat award of the... w/ valor device Valor device The Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor... |
Purple Heart Purple Heart The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York... |
| 3rd Row | Meritorious Service Medal w/ gold star Gold Star The Gold Star medal is a special insignia that identifies recipients of the title "Hero" in the Soviet Union and its communist allies, and several post-Soviet states.-Soviet origin:... |
Navy Commendation Medal w/ valor device Valor device The Valor device is an award of the United States military which is a bronze attachment to certain medals to indicate that it was received for valor... |
Army Commendation Medal | Combat Action Ribbon Combat Action Ribbon The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal military decoration of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, and United States Coast Guard which is awarded to those who, in any grade including and below that of a Captain in the Navy and Coast Guard , have actively participated in ground or... |
| 4th Row | Navy Presidential Unit Citation w/ 1 bronze star | Navy Unit Commendation Navy Unit Commendation The Navy Unit Commendation of the United States Navy is an award that was established by order of the Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal on 18 December 1944... w/ 3 bronze stars |
Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Meritorious Unit Commendation The Meritorious Unit Commendation is a mid-level unit award of the United States military which is awarded to any military command which displays exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service, heroic deeds, or valorous actions.... |
National Defense Service Medal National Defense Service Medal The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower... w/ 1 bronze star |
| 5th Row | Vietnam Service Medal Vietnam Service Medal The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during... w/ 1 silver star Silver Star The Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy.... & 3 bronze stars |
Southwest Asia Service Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal The Southwest Asia Service Medal is a military award of the United States armed forces which was created by order of President George H.W. Bush on March 12, 1991. The award is intended to recognize those military service members who performed duty during the years of the Persian Gulf War... w/ 2 bronze stars |
Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon Sea Service Ribbon A Sea Service Ribbon is an award of the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard and the United States Army which recognizes those service members who have performed military duty while stationed on a vessel at sea.... w/ 1 bronze star |
Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon Overseas Service Ribbon An Overseas Service Ribbon is a service military award of the United States military which recognizes those service members who have performed military tours of duty outside the borders of the United States of America. There are different versions of the Overseas Service Ribbons for the U.S. Army,... |
| 6th Row | Marine Corps Security Guard Ribbon Marine Corps Security Guard Ribbon The Marine Corps Security Guard Ribbon is a Marine Corps military award that was established by order of Secretary of the Navy John Howard Dalton on July 15, 1997. The award recognizes those Marine Corps personnel who have served as U.S... |
Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm, & bronze star | Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is a military award of the United States military, which was first created in 1961 by Executive Order of President John Kennedy... |
Vietnam Gallantry Cross unit citation Vietnam Gallantry Cross The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an... with palm |
| 7th Row | Vietnam Civil Actions unit citation Vietnam Civil Actions Medal The Vietnam Civil Actions Medal was a decoration of South Vietnam which was first established in 1964. The decoration is a mid-level service award which was awarded to any member of the Vietnamese military who performed outstanding civic service to the state or who participated in civil service... |
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal | Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) The Naut Tahrir al-Kuwait was instituted by King Fahd ibn Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign.- Background :... |
Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) The Wisam Al-Tahrir was issued by the government of Kuwait for service during the Liberation of Kuwait campaign.-Description:The Kuwait Liberation Medal was approved by the Kuwait Council of Ministers for award in five classes, generally according to the rank of the recipient... |