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Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Birth: 24 November 1925, Chicago, Ill. Accredited to: Minnesota. Citation:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above
and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 8th Amphibious Tractor
Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces
on Peleliu, Palau Islands, on 5 October 1944. Unhesitatingly volunteering
for the extremely hazardous mission of evacuating a wounded comrade from
the front lines, Pfc. Kraus and 3 companions courageously made their way
forward and successfully penetrated the lines for some distance before
the enemy opened with an intense, devastating barrage of hand grenades
which forced the stretcher party to take cover and subsequently abandon
the mission. While returning to the rear, they observed 2 men approaching
who appeared to be marines and immediately demanded the password. When,
instead of answering, 1 of the 2 Japanese threw a hand grenade into the
midst of the group, Pfc. Kraus heroically flung himself upon the grenade
and, covering it with his body, absorbed the full impact of the explosion
and was instantly killed. By his prompt action and great personal valor
in the face of almost certain death, he saved the lives of his 3 companions,
and his loyal spirit of self-sacrifice reflects the highest credit upon
himself and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his
comrades.
This data was extracted from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Senate, Medal of Honor Recipients: 1863-1973 (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1973)
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