************Updated Staging*****************
The family of William A. Kraus has asked the Patriot Guard to pay Honors to this American Hero from the "Greatest Generation". We will be honored to do so.
William or Bill as he liked to be called graduated from High school at the age of 17 and went directly into the Navy.
Bill went into the Navy on June 25, 1943 and served until July 2, 1945 with an Honorable Discharge. During Bills time in the Navy he was stationed on the USS Rall, DE 304 an Evarts class destroyer, "anti submarine warfare ship".They served during WWII as convoy escorts for destroyers against submarine attacks.
During Bills time he attained the rank of QM2, Quartermaster 2nd class.
The USS Rall was credited with sinking the first mini sub inside the Utila Atoll. The island of Utila was only a 3 mile by 7 mile island between a coral reef and 2000 foot deep continental shelf of the Honduras Islands.
On April 12th the Rall came under attack by 5 Japanese suicide bombers in a coordinated attack. Despite repeated direct hits on the ship the crew managed to down 4 of the 5 planes. The last one headed back for home. Despite significant damage and death to crew members the ship stayed underway and completed her mission.
Bill was awarded the American Theater Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Medal w/ 3 stars, Victory service Medal,& Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon.
Bill was just short of Graduating Officer Candidate School when his enlistment ran out.
As a civilian Bill took his GI Bill and used it to go to Rutgers, graduating with a business degree. William then went to work for Motorola. He later opened his own business in export and import. He was a member of the Rotary Club in Claremont.
Bill passed away with his family by his side after a long battle with Alzheimers.
Bill is survived by his wife of 70 yrs. : Dorothy, his Sons: Glen and Gary, 2 Grand daughters, and 5 Great Great Granddaughters.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time Table for Tuesday 26 December 20171045 - Stage Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, Ca. 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/A3rkL6sJh7q PGR stage just North of Staging area 8
1100 - Mission Briefing
1115 - KSU to shelter
1130 - Flagline as Hero is brought to shelter
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR - Ride Captain
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
"Standing for those who stood for us
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is 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 R/C (Ride Captain). 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.
