Worland Vietnam War Solider To Be Escorted Home July 19

Details are confirmed for the return of 1st Lt. Ray Krogman, who will be laid to rest in Worland after losing his life during the Vietnam War 54 years ago.

After 54 years, Worland native Ray Krogman is coming home. Krogman, a First Lieutenant in the 504^th Tactical Air Support Squadron, was shot down during a visual reconnaissance mission over Savannakhet Province in Laos on Jan. 18, 1967.

After an investigation, it was determined Krogman could not have survived the crash and was listed as K.I.A. For his service, he received the following medals:

1. Distinguished Flying Cross (D.F.C.)
2. Air Medal (AM)
3. Purple Heart (P.H.)
4. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (A.F.O.U.A.)
5. National Defense Service Medal (N.D.S.M.)
6. Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Stars (V.S.M. w/1BSS)
7. Air Force Longevity Service Award (A.F.L.S.A.)
8. Republic of Gallantry Cross with Palm (R.V.N.G.C. w/P)
9. Vietnam Campaign Medal (V.C.M.)

On Feb. 14, 2019, a Scientific Recovery Expert found evidence of possible human remains at Krogman’s crash site in Laos.  Once collected, the consolidated remains were confirmed as those of First Lt. Ray Krogman.

Now, Lt. Krogman will be welcomed home to Worland with honors.

Courtesy Defense POW?MIA Accounting Agency

Krogman will be returning to Wyoming to be buried in the Krogman Family plot in the Worland Riverview Memorial Gardens.

Wyoming is planning a triumphant return, including a highway escort and memorial ceremony.

Lt. Krogman is being flown into Billings on Monday, July 19. From there, the Patriot Guard Riders will be escorting his casket from Billings to Worland.

• Arrival in Frannie (3:15 p.m.)
  • There will be a 30-minute break and a ride briefing. (W.Y. escort speed will be 55 mph)
• Depart Frannie at 3:45 p.m.
• Lovell at 4:05 p.m.
• Greybull at 4:40 p.m.
• Basin, WY 1650 4:50 p.m.
• Manderson at 5:00 p.m.
• Worland at 5:20 p.m.

All the times listed are tentative and will be determined by the timing of 1^st Lt. Krogman’s arrival in Billings.

When the escort arrives in Worland, residents are asked to line the streets to show respect. The procession will start at Diesel Pickup Specialists on 10^th Street and continue to Bryant Funeral Home on Big Horn Avenue.

On July 21, 2021, a visitation will be held at the Worland Middle School Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. An open casket with 1st Lieutenant Krogman’s dress uniform will be draped inside as Wyoming residents pay their last respects.

A formal service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Linda Anderson officiating. Following services, the community will be escorted down Big Horn Ave to Riverview Memorial Gardens as 1st Lieutenant Alva Ray Krogman is taken to his final resting place.

The entire length of Big Horn Ave will be closed for the funeral procession to Riverview Memorial Gardens. Full military honors will be performed, including a flyover by the U.S. Air Force just after noon.

A reception luncheon at the Washakie County Fairgrounds will follow the service.

The entire Bighorn Basin community is welcome and encouraged in every part of 1st Lt. Krogman’s return.

Kevin Curtis, State Captain of the Wyoming Patriot Guard, encourages everyone to participate in the visitation, funeral, and graveside services. Interested drivers can even join the escort at any point along its route, as “this is about honor and respect.”