In memoriam : Farewell to a comrade

A 26-year career US Marine and “Salt of the Old Corps,”a Veteran of Foreign Wars, an American Legionaire, Sheriff’s Senior Volunteer Patrolman and commendable citizen of the Friendly Village of Fallbrook, California. These are the credentials of a very special grandfather, father, brother and widower who was recently called home by God the Father on January 6, 2005.

His longevity of 80 years is indicative of his accomplishments resulting from his dedication of duty and service to God and Country. Indeed, this was Noah “Jack” Praytor as many of us knew of him to be; fellow Comrade of American Legion Post 776, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 1924, “Chosin Few,” Veteran of WWII and Korean War.

Jack was 18 years old when he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942, the year that was to become the turning point of the war between the US and Japan; the first offensive deployment against the Japanese Forces. Jack would be part of that Pacific War history; when he was with the Marine Division that landed and took possession of the Japanese held Island Guadalcanal of the Solomon Islands Group.

After the end of WWII Jack moved from one duty station to another during the ensuing years. When the Korean War began Jack was again called for combat duty. It was in this war era that when Jack was among those who would become known as the “Chosin Few,” the half-frozen battle-weary Devil Dogs from the battleground of Korea’s Chosin Reservoir.

Indeed, Jack left his “Boondockers” (boots) prints on many beachheads, jungles, and snow-packed grounds, went from Springfield 03 rifle to the Mi-Garand rifle and M-14 rifle, from “K-Rations” to “C-Rations, from PVT. to GYSGT E7. Twenty-six years of honorable military service finally came to an end in 1968 as he retired from active duty.

As a member of the American Legion Post 776 in Fallbrook he served in the capacity as Sergeant-At-Arms, Vice Commander, selecting committee for selection of high school students for California Boys and Girls State, and the Annual American Legion National Oratorical Competition by high school students, and Post 776 Executive Board.

Seeing or hearing Jack we will not; see us and hear us he will. Sense his nearness we will. Just by looking around and seeing what Post 776 has accomplished in the past years and we’re sure to feel his presence.

Semper Fi, Comrade Noah “Jack” Bert Prayton… Your final duty station awaits you.