JOHN KRAGH
First Sergeant, New York State Police • United States Marine Corps
T H E I R H E R O S T O R Y
John was born on January 19, 1935, in Brooklyn to a blue-collar working family.
Determined to serve in Korea, he joined the Marines under a friend’s name at just 15¾ years old. His true age was discovered before deployment, and he was discharged. But John was persistent. Upon turning 17, with his parents’ approval, he enlisted again and went through boot camp a second time. After successfully completing his military training, he was assigned to Quantico, Virginia, where he served the remainder of his time in the Marines.
Following his discharge, John worked a Coca-Cola delivery route in Brooklyn before joining the New York State Police. His first duty station was in Batavia, New York. He served for more than 20 years and retired as First Sergeant of Troop F in Middletown.
Whether serving in the military, protecting his community as a State Trooper, coaching Little League, or working bingo at St. John’s Church, John has devoted his life to helping others.
A loving father of five, grandfather of 12, and great-grandfather of 14, John now lives in Port St. Lucie, Florida, with the love of his life, Maureen, his wife of 70 years.
H O N O R E D B Y
Michael Donovan