Walter Harrison Bradford

He was born on December 1, 1945, in Fort Knox, Kentucky, to the late Edward Joseph and Bonnie Mary (Harrison) Bradford.

After graduating from Texas A&M (Go Aggies!), he served as an officer in the U.S. Army with one tour in Vietnam. He is a decorated 1st Lieutenant twice wounded and honored with two Purple Hearts. Upon his return from Vietnam, Walter worked in the federal government at Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia, for the National Park Service. During his time with the National Park Service, he put himself through art school and achieved a degree from the Maryland School of Art and Design. He then went on to become a museum curator for the Department of the Army in Washington, DC.

A Fellow in the Company of Military Historians, he had a passion for history, military history, and costume design. He gave many lectures and talks on these topics and was authoring three books on military history. He was a known military history expert and often consulted on historical movies and films, including the Thin Red Line, Forest Gump, Leatherheads, Saving Private Ryan, etc.

His deep knowledge and love of history, art, and music drove his career path, experiences, and hobbies. A self-taught drummer since age 11, he played in many bands including his high school band, Lawton Highschool (Oklahoma), the Aggie Corp of Cadets, and throughout his life. Most recently, he shared his gift of drumming at assisted living communities with the Song Masters band and was the drummer for the Shriner’s band at many events and played in the July 4th parade in Fairfax just last year. He also was co-drummer with Speed Limit 55 here at Celebrate.

Predeceased by his parents; one brother: Joseph Edward Bradford and sister-in-law: Joyce Bradford.

Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Sally V. Bradford; two daughters: Amelia Bradford (Justin Roth) and Jacqueline Regina Borders (Matthew Borders); three grandchildren: Evan Bradford Miedema, Eli Bradford Miedema, and Zoe Borders; brother: Wallace Bradford; nephew: Craig Bradford and niece: Julie Bradford; and sister-in-law Patsy Vandiver.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 13, 2024, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Service, Fredericksburg Chapel, 1621 Emancipation Highway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.

A funeral will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Peace United Methodist Church, 801 Maple Grove Drive, Fredericksburg, VA, 22407 with Reverend Scott Duncan Hopkins officiating.

Following the funeral services, the family welcomes you to join in a Celebration of Life event (12:30 PM – 3:00 PM) at the Celebrate Del Webb Lodge, 10 Montera Ave Fredericksburg, VA 22046.

Interment will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors. All attendees should arrive 45 minutes prior to service and will be directed by the cemetery representatives where to park.

A Reception will follow from 2:00-4:00 pm at Patton Hall, 214 Buffalo Solider Avenue, Fort Myer, VA 22211

Please access through Hatfield Gate, 29 Carpenter Road, Fort Myer, VA 22211

You will need to request Base Access, apply online at: https://pass.aie.army.mil/jbmhh

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of flowers, or you may donate to: American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 in loving memory of Walter H. Bradford.