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ť Forum Category: PT Boats of WWII
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ť Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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ť Topic: Last Patrol - Raymond Macht, PT-157, GM 3/C
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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

Posted By: TheBridge | Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 - 7:14am
Total Posts: 318 | Joined: Nov 22, 2009 - 3:04pm

I want to offer my condolences.

Peter

"Give me a faster PT boat for I'd like to get out of harm's way!"

Posted By: PeterTareBuilder | Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 - 7:29am
Total Posts: 494 | Joined: Jun 24, 2008 - 5:59pm

Rest in peace Ray.

Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 - 7:56am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am

Fair winds and following seas Ray.

Posted By: TED WALTHER | Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 - 9:35am
Total Posts: 3059 | Joined: Oct 16, 2006 - 7:42am

God Bless, Ray.

Will

Posted By: Will Day | Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 - 10:32am
Total Posts: 1955 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 4:19pm

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.................

Posted By: Frank J Andruss Sr | Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 - 11:25am
Total Posts: 3497 | Joined: Oct 9, 2006 - 6:09am

i also send my ocondolences to the family earl

earl richmond

Posted By: EARL RICHMOND | Posted on: Nov 29, 2012 - 11:40am
Total Posts: 319 | Joined: Oct 8, 2006 - 1:50pm

Please pass along my best to his family.
Dave

David Waples

Posted By: David Waples | Posted on: Nov 30, 2012 - 5:21am
Total Posts: 1679 | Joined: Jan 2, 2007 - 9:55pm

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

Posted By: Randy Finfrock | Posted on: Nov 30, 2012 - 9:14am
Total Posts: 97 | Joined: Nov 27, 2006 - 6:21pm

Please, rest in peace Ray

Posted By: Black Ops | Posted on: Dec 1, 2012 - 1:02pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered

May you go with God.
SH

Posted By: Hadly | Posted on: Dec 1, 2012 - 3:18pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered