Captain Douglas L. Bradt

Captain Douglas L. Bradt, U.S. Air Force, was born June 29, 1961, in St. Charles Missouri. He spent his early days in St. Charles where he developed his love of flying. In 1974, his family moved to Clear Lake City, Texas where he attended Clear Lake High School in 1979. Bradt enrolled at San Jacinto College and then completed his degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, graduating with a B.S. in Aeronautical Science. While awaiting acceptance into the Ari Force, Capt. Bradt worked as a civilian flight instructor for Cliff Hyde Flying Service where he met Christi Boyington, his future bride. Capt. Bradt entered Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in December 1984 and then entered pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. After earning his wings Capt. Bradt was assigned to Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina as a forward air controller.

In October 1989, Capt. Bradt was assigned to the 389th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron at Mt. Home Air Force Base, Idaho, where he learned to fly the EF-111A. In January 1991, he was deployed to Saudi Arabia in support of Desert Storm as part of the 390th Electronic Combat Squadron. Air Force Capt. Douglas Bradt was shot down on February 14th, 1991, becoming the first Houstonian to die in the Persian Gulf War.

During his career, Capt. Bradt proudly served as Squadron Weapons Officer, Runway Supervising Officer, Battalion Air Liaison Officer, Flying Safety Officer, and Squadron Plans Officer. Air decorations awarded to Capt. Bradt includes Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, Longevity Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Air Force Training Ribbon.

The Captain Douglas L. Bradt Scholarship was established in memory Captain Bradt’s service to our country and his contribution to the aviation community.