COL. USAR RET. JOHN NICHOLAS TRAGESSER II COL. USAR Ret. John Nicholas Tragesser II, 66, of Palm City, Florida passed away on December 23, 2006 at home under the care of his wife, Anita Tragesser and Treasure Coast Hospice of Martin County. Son of John & Gladys Tragesser, Brother of Eileen Johnson and Cassandra Tragesser, Father of sons with his first wife, Suzanne Loewus Tragesser; Erik and John Tragesser, Husband of Anita Tragesser, Grandfather to Nicholas IV, Kevin, and Allyson Tragesser. Nick was originally from Glassport Pennsylvania and enlisted in the Army where he was selected for the officer candidate flight training program. He retired as a highly decorated Colonel (1960-1988) and brought his expertise in weapons guidance and sighting systems to a second career at Litton Laser Systems as a Project Manager before retiring to Palm City, Florida. Nick survived two and a half tours in Vietnam as a helicopter gun ship pilot, lived life to the absolute edge, and loved his friends and family with all his heart. His flight records show 3,954 total hours of flight, 1271 hours of combat flight, and over 303 combat missions in Vietnam while serving with the UTT Helicopter Company. Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Master Army Aviator, 38 Air Medals, Purple Heart, Airborne Jump Master, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, 2 Legions of Merit, National War College Graduate He will be dearly missed by everyone that he touched. Nick loved to fish, cook, have fun, and be with friends and family. Nick's character and style endeared him to his many friends and family. There will be a military full honor internment at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington Virginia. The internment date and time will be posted on WWW.TRAGWO RKS.COM as it becomes available. Arrangements are under the direction of Veterans Cremation & Burial Society, Stuart