Seaside Health Center at Atlantic Shores
Mr. Al Cratch, 90 years old, grew up in Norfolk, Virginia. His ancestry, according to family lore, includes both Daniel Boone and Blackbeard. Regardless of his adventurous ancestry, as a young adult Mr. Cratch was plunged into gruesome experiences of his own.
During World War II when Mr. Cratch was only 20 years old, his B-24 was attacked by German planes. He managed to parachute into a Romanian field where people with pitchforks and butcher knives awaited him. As a prisoner-of-war in an ill-equipped hospital, Mr. Cratch underwent surgery with no anesthesia and witnessed the deaths of several other prisoners. Four months later, American planes arrived to take him to Italy. He landed there safely on his 21st birthday, filled with enough memories for a lifetime.
Mr. Cratch returned home to his job with Virginia Railroad and found an attractive brunette had taken over his desk. He invited her to lunch and two years later they were married.
In 2004, Mr. & Mrs. Cratch moved to a retirement community located near the world’s largest naval station. He was surrounded by many retired military colleagues. His fellow residents in the Colonial Chapter of Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge salute past and present veterans, and educate children on the principles of citizenship and leadership. This past year, the group honored Mr. Cratch for his service, dedication and mentorship.
Mr. Al Cratch is a resident of Seaside Health Center at Atlantic Shores Retirement Community in Virginia Beach where he has resided since January 2013.