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Topic: Last Patrol - Raymond Macht, PT-157, GM 3/C |
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TheBridge
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 - 7:14am
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I received a note from Ray's daughter, Barb, that Ray passed away after a 3-year battle with Alzheimer's. Ray was the port-side 50-gunner and plank crewman of the PT-157.
Of note....among other notable moments for Ray on the 157, it was he, and Torpedoman Welford West, that rowed the 157's dingy boat to ferry the wounded members the short distance from the shore back to the 157 during the rescue of the PT-109 crew on the night of August 7/8.
I had contacted Barb about 2-1/2 years ago while writing the my first PT about the making of the PT-157 model. She told me of Ray's Alzheimer's condition and also he was losing his sight. Then we lost touch until a few months ago when she contacted me. I told I had just finished the second book about the PT-157 (that was the 'FIRST-UP' book) and I sent her a copy for Ray. She wrote back to say that she managed to sit with her dad and a very rare 'good' night where he was lucid. She read the book and Ray corrected here pronunciation of the Japanese islands and Ray talked about his crew mates. It was a fantastic evening for them both. In the note she just sent she said, in part....
"It was such a great thing to have him tell me about his shipmates when we read your book to him. Thank you. - Barb"
History lives on, and so does Ray.
Bridge
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PeterTareBuilder
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 - 7:29am
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I want to offer my condolences.
Peter
"Give me a faster PT boat for I'd like to get out of harm's way!" |
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Jeff D
Moderator
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Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 - 7:56am
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Rest in peace Ray.
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TED WALTHER
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 - 9:35am
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Fair winds and following seas Ray.
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Will Day
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 - 10:32am
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God Bless, Ray.
Will |
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 - 11:25am
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Certainly a sad time for family on earth. but a joyous and wonderful time for Ray when he meets the crew of PT-157 that went before him. He will once again take his place in the port .50 gun tub, facing the wind, while riding on the clouds.................
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EARL RICHMOND
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 - 11:40am
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i also send my ocondolences to the family earl
earl richmond |
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David Waples
TOP BOSS
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Posted on: Nov 30, 2012 - 5:21am
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Please pass along my best to his family.
Dave
David Waples |
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Randy Finfrock
Advanced Member
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Posted on: Nov 30, 2012 - 9:14am
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Nice to hear how you and Ray's daughter got to experience sharing such priceless memories with him. That's what it's all about. Please give her and their family our condolences when you speak to them next.
Randy Finfrock |
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Black Ops
New Member
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Posted on: Dec 1, 2012 - 1:02pm
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Please, rest in peace Ray
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