Mokena Board Honors 101-Year-Old WWII Veteran Raymond McClory

Mokena Village Board Meeting | September 22, 2025

Article Summary: The Mokena Village Board recognized longtime resident and World War II veteran Raymond L. McClory with a formal proclamation honoring his extraordinary service to the country and community. Born in 1924, Mr. McClory survived a torpedo attack while serving in the U.S. Navy and worked for 54 years in the trucking industry.

Raymond L. McClory Honoree Key Points:

• A proclamation honored his service in the U.S. Navy during WWII, where he served aboard the USS Winooski and survived a torpedo attack in 1942.

• Following his military service, he worked in the trucking industry until retiring at age 81 and has been a Mokena resident for 30 years.

The Mokena Village Board on Monday, September 22, 2025, took time to honor one of its most distinguished residents, 101-year-old Raymond L. McClory, for his lifelong dedication to service, family, and country.

Village Clerk Melissa Martini read a formal proclamation recognizing Mr. McClory’s “extraordinary service to the nation” and his contributions as a valued member of the Mokena community for the past three decades.

Born in Chicago in March 1924, Mr. McClory began his career in the Civilian Conservation Corps before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at the age of 18 to serve in World War II. According to the proclamation, he served courageously aboard the USS Winooski and survived a torpedo attack during an invasion in 1942. He continued his naval service on multiple vessels until his honorable discharge in 1946.

After the war, Mr. McClory embarked on a 54-year career in the trucking industry, working until he retired at 81. He has been a resident of Mokena for 30 years, where he is admired by friends and neighbors for his patriotism and strong work ethic.

Following the reading, Mayor George J. Metanias thanked Mr. McClory for his service. Mr. McClory shared reflections on his life with the board and offered his appreciation for the recognition.