Medal of Honor: Richard Edward Kraus, World War II, October 5, 1944

Name: Richard Edward Kraus
Rank: Private First Class
War: World War II
Date of Action: October 5, 1944
Unit: 8th Amphibious Tractor Battalion, Fleet Marine Force
Born: November 24, 1925, Chicago, Illinois
Accredited to: Minnesota

Summary of Action
On the war-torn island of Peleliu, Private First Class Richard Kraus volunteered to help evacuate a wounded Marine from the front lines under withering Japanese fire. Advancing with three comrades, he braved a storm of grenades until the mission became impossible, forcing the stretcher team to withdraw. As they fell back through the darkness, two figures approached who appeared to be Marines—but when challenged for the password, one of the men hurled a grenade into their midst. Without hesitation, Kraus threw himself upon it, absorbing the full force of the blast. His instant, selfless act saved all three of his comrades from certain death. Only 18 years old, Kraus embodied the purest form of Marine Corps valor—sacrifice in defense of others.

Medal of Honor Citation
KRAUS, RICHARD EDWARD
Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Born: 24 November 1925, Chicago, Ill. Accredited to: Minnesota. Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 8th Amphibious Tractor Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 5 October 1944. Unhesitatingly volunteering for the extremely hazardous mission of evacuating a wounded comrade from the front lines, Pfc. Kraus and 3 companions courageously made their way forward and successfully penetrated the lines for some distance before the enemy opened with an intense, devastating barrage of hand grenades which forced the stretcher party to take cover and subsequently abandon the mission. While returning to the rear, they observed 2 men approaching who appeared to be marines and immediately demanded the password. When, instead of answering, 1 of the 2 Japanese threw a hand grenade into the midst of the group, Pfc. Kraus heroically flung himself upon the grenade and, covering it with his body, absorbed the full impact of the explosion and was instantly killed. By his prompt action and great personal valor in the face of almost certain death, he saved the lives of his 3 companions, and his loyal spirit of self-sacrifice reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his comrades.