Winter Park Resident Awarded Congressional Gold Medal for WWII Service

(WINTER PARK, Fla.) — The city of Winter Park honored one of its most distinguished residents last month — a 103-year-old veteran who received the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in World War II.

The award, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors, was given to retired U.S. Army Major General John C. Raaen Jr. on September 17 during a ceremony at The Mayflower, a retirement community, that brought together city leaders, other veterans, and local residents. 

The recognition stems from a 2022 act of Congress that authorized the honor for all surviving World War II Army Rangers. Due to poor health, Raaen was unable to travel to Washington, D.C., in June to attend the official ceremony on Capitol Hill.

“It is not every day we are fortunate enough to meet someone as highly regarded and esteemed like Major General Raaen with his experience, humility, honor and reverence,” said Sheila DeCiccio, mayor of Winter Park. “It is a gift to live a life as full as his and he is an inspiration for all of us.”

Born in 1922 at Fort Benning, Georgia, Raaen graduated from the United States Military Academy West Point in 1943 and volunteered for the 5th Ranger Battalion. The Army Rangers were among the most elite and well-trained fighting outfits the U.S. mustered during World War II. As a result, they were often given the toughest and deadliest missions.

Raaen holds medals from his military career, culminating in his recent award of the Congressional Gold Medal. [Credit: Benjamin Mack-Jackson]

“When we got to the beach it was just plain out-and-out hell,” he said solemnly. “The machine gun fire and rifle fire just went over our heads like a bunch of bees.”

An estimated 300 people, including many active and retired U.S. Army personnel, attended Raaen’s medal ceremony. 

“He is the picture of a leader,” said retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, who was among those at the presentation, which included remarks from current and retired military leaders, WWII Ranger descendents, and a musical performance by Rollins College students. “When all the soldiers heard about the other things he had done during his entire career — serving in other combat zones in Korea and Vietnam and what he had contributed to the army ammunition and logistics community — you could tell they were very impressed.”

Raaen wears a beret depicting his final rank in the U.S. Army – Major General. He retired from the Army in 1979. [Credit: Benjamin Mack-Jackson]

“Major General Raaen dedicated his career and life to public service, protection of our country, and preservation of our rights,” DeCiccio, the mayor, said. “We are honored to have him as a city resident, calling Winter Park his home.”