At the request of the family, the Patriot Guard Riders have been asked to accompany their hero, Donald Raymond Krahn, 97, a World War II veteran and one of the last from the Greatest Generation, to attend his military honors. It is be our privilege to do so.
Donald felt a deep commitment to serve his country and signed up at 17 with the consent of his parents. Being under 18 and underweight, he was put in the Army Air Corp Reserves. His mother would give him ice cream every day to fatten him up, which worked, and gave him a lifelong addiction to ice cream, especially chocolate shakes. During reserves, Donald earned the Carbine Sharpshooter Medal and passed the Aviation Cadet exam with the hope of becoming a tail gunner. He then graduated from Gage Park High School in January 1945 and thereafter began active duty.
Donald served during World War II in the Asiatic Pacific Theater and was stationed in Guam with the Headquarters Squadron, 20th Air Force. There he became the administrative assistant to the controversial Major General Curtis E. LeMay during the strategic bombing campaign of Japan, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Donald was involved with the LeMay Bombing Leaflets which were dropped to warn Japanese civilians of the impending bombings. LeMay had a good relationship with Donald and would let him use his Jeep on Guam. Don would fondly remember the friendly relationship he had between the troops and the Japanese prisoners. One time, LeMay asked him to take the Jeep and transport two Japanese prisoners to another base. He transported the unshackled prisoners, one in the front seat and one in the back, and had one of the prisoners hold his rife as he drove because he couldn’t drive and hold the rifle at the same time. The prisoner did so respectfully and without incident. He would also play ping pong with the prisoners and he would master the Japanese style of holding the paddle for more control and finesse. Don would play ping pong throughout his life, winning many amateur tournaments.
After his return from the war, Don attended college and graduated from Industrial Engineering College. Donald found his niche as an industrial engineer where he worked for Ford Motor Company, Diamond T. Motor Truck Division, and Consolidated Paper Company. Donald moved to Monroe, Michigan for Consolidated Paper Company, and it was in Monroe that he began working for La-Z Boy Chair Company that would span almost 30 years and move he and his family to Redlands, California.
He enjoyed bowling and played on the La-Z Boy bowling team. He liked to watch baseball, especially the Cubs, and loved playing cards with anyone whether it was Hearts, Spades, Pinochle, or Uno with his grandchildren, and of course, ping pong.
Donald passed from his life on 04 October 2024 and his last supper was topped off by a chocolate shake. He shared 42 loving years with his wife, Patricia, who preceded him in death by just a few months. He will also be missed by his son, Richard Krahn and daughters, Janet Castaneda and Wendy Glenn; stepson, Robert Blackwell; and stepdaughters, Susan Stephy and Leta Bermudez. He will be missed by 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church to the cemetery, approximately 11 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR MONDAY, 21 OCTOBER 20241200: Stage at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1505 Ford St, Redlands, CA. (Church service begins at 1000 but celebration of live will be ongoing as we arrive.)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GY5upJLmTdSzN93e91230: Mission briefing.
1255: Flag line as hero is moved from the church to the coach.
1300: KSU to Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E Washington St, Colton, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UUHduZpyJSmqg7nt51330: ETA to Montecito Memorial Park, for flag line and military honors.
Lillian Riddell
CA PGR Assistant State Captain
lilygirl54@roadrunner.com
(909) 855-2623You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
