1961 Classmate Emil Max Friedauer was inducted into the Air Commando Hall of Fame in 2015. Lieutenant Colonel Friedauer earned his navigator wings in 1966 and served as a Navigator for 27 years. He trained as a MC-130E, Combat Talon navigator in 1977. His first Air Commando assignment was with the 7th Special Operations Squadron at Rhein Main Air Base, Germany serving as Squadron Chief Navigator and Chief of Plans, coordinating and directing the squadron’s participation in Flintlock and other joint and combined exercises throughout Europe and North Africa. Max continued his special operations career at Headquarters 23 Air Force, Scott Air Force, Illinois as Chief of the Exercise Branch and as HQ Air Force Special Operations Command’s Director of Current Operations. Max’s efforts ensured Air Commandos received challenging and pertinent global training opportunities. As a government contractor he supported Air Commandos worldwide in the development of System Training Plans and of developing and executing the Command’s Long Range and Strategic Planning Process. He is the founder, past president and motivational force of the 7th Air Commando Society. Without his presence, the 7 ACS would probably not exist. He also founded the Combat Talon Memorial Foundation to construct a memorial to fallen Combat Talon Airmen in the Hurlburt Memorial Air Park that was dedicated in April 2015. Max Friedauer doesn’t know how to say no. If the cause supports Air Commandos, through the ACA, Air Force Association , or other local area charities, Max volunteers and makes it happen. His selfless duty to service and country represent the true embodiment and traditions of the Air Commando. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Friedauer reflect great credit upon himself, Air Force Special Operations and all Air Commandos.
Elkhart High School Class of 1961