John Charles Krafft – Captain, United States Marine Corps

Submitted by his wife, Leslie Mellott:

John Charles Krafft
Born: Ogdensburg, New York June 17, 1964
He graduated from London Central High School in London, England
He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from the State University of New York at Cortland.

He began his career with the Marine Corps by attending Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in December 1988.  After completing the Basic School in 1989, he was transferred to Training Wing Four, Corpus Christi where he earned his “Wings of Gold” through VT-31. He then jointed VMGRT-253, MAG-14 in Cherry Point, North Carolina to commence training in the KC 130.

In February 1992, he joined VMGR-352, MAG-II in El Toro, California as a KC-130 pilot. He deployed with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and took part in numerous operations including Continue Hope, Distant Runner, Southern Watch, Eager Mace, Nautical Mantis, Iron Magic, and U.N. Operation United Shield. He was again transferred to VT-31, this time as a Flight Instructor in the T-44A.

His awards and decorations include The Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award with Bronze Star, Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Bronze Star, and the United Nations Service Medal.

Captain Krafft was killed in a training accident in 1996 and was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.

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