Our Hero of the Match for November 24 against Minnesota United FC is World War II Veteran, from the United States Navy, Pharmacist Mate 2nd Class Charles Cram!
Born on March 15, 1926, he is “98 and-a-half years old". He joined the Navy in 1943 at the Age of 17 and served as a Navy Corpsman with "Company A, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division."
He participated in the iconic amphibious landing on Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. Of the 250 Marines he landed with, 90% were casualties, with only 25 walking off the island. He witnessed the famous flag raising over Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945, and recalls that everyone thought the war was over, though it continued for another month, resulting in an additional 26,000 casualties. On the seventh day of battle, Charles was wounded while tending to a Marine in "No Man's Land."
For his bravery and actions during the battle, he was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.
Charles was married to the love of his life, Joan Elizabeth, for 67 Years, and they have two children, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
