Walter J. Wade flew a total of 34 combat missions during the period of June '44 & December '44.

He was a Co-pilot, flying most missions with 729th BS. He flew later ones with 728th & 731st BS. Most missions were over Germany. Some were N. France & Poland. Served both D-day and Battle of the Bulge. The ball turret gunner was shot in the face on one mission. Walter requested to fly out of formation so the guy could get oxygen. He was denied. He disobeyed orders and flew down to 10,000 feet and wound up saving the guys life. When he got back to base, the Lt. Co. Scolded him very badly in front of the other pilots. Afterwards, the Lt. Co. recommended he receive the DFC.