WINTER PARK, Fla. – A significant moment in history was commemorated as Maj. Gen. John C. Raaen Jr., the last surviving U.S. Army Ranger involved in the pivotal assault on Omaha Beach on D-Day, received the U.S. Congressional Gold Medal during a heartfelt ceremony at The Mayflower. The event took place on Wednesday, honoring the 103-year-old veteran with the presence of the U.S. Army 75th Ranger Regiment Color Guard, who conducted the presentation and retirement of colors.
Leaders from the Descendants of WWII Ranger, Inc., and the U.S. Army Ranger Regiment offered their remarks, reflecting the deep respect and gratitude held for Raaen’s service. The ceremony was complemented by musical performances from a group of musicians from Rollins College, adding a touching atmosphere to the occasion.
The Congressional Gold Medal, a rare honor awarded fewer than 200 times in U.S. history, was established by Congress to recognize the extraordinary contributions of U.S. Army Rangers during World War II. This legislative acknowledgment culminated in a bill signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022. Maj. Gen. Raaen had previously missed a ceremony in June on Capitol Hill that celebrated other surviving WWII Ranger battalions, making this event particularly meaningful.
Expressing pride in Raaen’s achievements, Steve Kramer, President and CEO of The Mayflower at Winter Park, stated, “We extend our sincerest congratulations to Gen. John Raaen on receiving the Congressional Gold Medal. It is a distinguished honor for an extraordinary man. We are not only proud of his vast accomplishments but we’re also grateful to know him as a kind friend and gracious neighbor. He is truly a national treasure.”
Born on April 22, 1922, at Fort Benning, Georgia, Raaen graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1943, beginning a storied military career. After being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers, he joined the 5th Ranger Battalion and made his mark landing on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. His bravery during the invasion earned him the Silver Star.
Following his recovery from wartime injuries, Raaen went on to serve as an instructor at West Point and later transitioned to the Ordnance Corps, earning a master’s degree in nuclear physics from Johns Hopkins University in 1951. His military career spanned over three decades, including significant roles in Korea, Vietnam, and at the Pentagon. He held key positions such as head of the U.S. Army Armament Command and served as the executive deputy director of the Defense Supply Agency before retiring in 1979.
In addition to his service, Maj. Gen. Raaen has actively participated in numerous D-Day memorial ceremonies in Normandy, marking the 50th and 75th anniversaries. He has contributed invaluable oral histories to institutions such as the BBC and Smithsonian Channel and authored “INTACT,” a first-hand account of the Omaha Beach invasion, drawing from official documents and his wartime correspondence.
As a crowd of supporters and fellow veterans gathered to celebrate this historic recognition, the ceremony was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during a defining moment in world history.
