Chilton "Chilly" Raiford served in the Navy on the USS Randolph during WWII. During the war, he was wounded when Japanese Bombers attacked his ship. For many years after Chilly was a member of the Kamikaze Survivors Association, which has now been dissolved due to most all have died.

During his stateside training, before Chilly deployed, he got into trouble after running through a women’s barracks. He was called before his commanding officer and given an Article 15 – non-judicial punishment – and the incident was soon forgotten.

That was until Raiford was recommended to receive a Purple Heart medal for his combat injuries during the war, and was turned down because of one youthful indiscretion.

Chilly is now 93 years old and receiving the Purple Heart is his dying wish. He deserves and earned this 72 years ago. You can help honor the sacrifice of this WWII veteran by showing your support for Chilly.