MANASSAS, Va. — A World War II veteran who survived two kamikaze attacks — one of which that left him seriously injured — was recognized for his service and bravery during a ceremony Saturday.
Rappahannock County resident Chilton “Chilly” Raiford was given a Navy citation and saluted for his bravery during a ceremony at Sudley Manor Square shopping center.
“It’s an honor for me to honor the boys that never made it back here,” he said.
Raiford, who lives in Amissville, served in the Pacific Ocean theater during World War II and survived two kamikaze attacks, including one that happened in March 1945. Even after being severely injured during the attack, he stayed on board the USS Randolph until the end of the war some six months later. Raiford was a gunner and at the time of that attack he was trying to take out a kamikaze plane when it hit the aircraft carrier.
“When you are hit by a kamikaze and you are on a carrier that is 998-feet long and 37,000 tons, everything goes up, high-octane gasoline, bombs that would blow up a football field, rockets, you name it. The whole ship is afire,” said Raiford, who turns 94 next month.
During the ceremony Raiford was flanked by his family, his four kids and sister Claudia Waldrep, 96.
“It just brings me to tears, really, because he’s deserved it for so long,” Waldrep said.
U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, who attended the ceremony, said he is working on getting Raiford’s Purple Heart.
“It’s a long time in coming,” said Wittman, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. “Mr. Raiford earned the Purple Heart by his bravery there in the Pacific theater, shooting at a kamikaze pilot, and was severely injured in that.”
Wittman said it is important to get this done because World War II veterans are aging, dying at a rate of more than 600 per day. He said they are part of the “Greatest Generation.”
“What they sacrificed for this nation is unbelievable,” Wittman said.
