06/24/2026
Today we honor AS Ray Erickson (September 14, 1897 - June 24, 1993).
RAY AUGUST ERICKSON enlisted in the Naval Reserve in Omaha, Nebraska, December 1917. In April 1918, he reported to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station and was there during the flu epidemic. From there he went to Philadelphia Naval Yards and did guard duty for the Restricted area for the Navy and Marines. On November 1st, he boarded ship and sailed for France. During the crossing, there was a storm at sea and they lost one of the lifeboats. After landing at Brest, France on the morning of November 11, they were put on a train for Paullias, France. The train cars had compartments of two seats facing each other with running boards on the side, and they were given hard tack and canned beef for eating during the travel. At the stations along the way, people were celebrating and they learned the Armistice was signed. They arrived at Bordeaux, France in the evening, and changed trains to the Naval Air Station. During his 4 months there, they learned to make silver rings from French coins in their leisure time. They left France in early March 1919 and took a southern course due to the weather. After two weeks, they landed in Newport News, VA. From there Ray was released from active duty, but continued with the Reserves.
A brick has been placed in his honor at the Lt. Charles Garrison Veterans Memorial.
