The population of Anoka County in 1940 was 22,443; in 1947 it was 23,000 - so during World War II, there were not many inhabitants. Yet from this small area, came three young men (including Rick) who became Congressional Medal Of Honor recipients.

All were U.S. Marines, all threw themselves on grenades, all saved a number of their comrades and all were under 20 years of age. PFC Richard Edward Kraus was born in Chicago but accredited to Minnesota; he was killed evacuating a wounded comrade from the front lines with three others on Peleliu, Palau Islands October 5, 1944 - he was 18. PFC James Dennis LaBelle from Columbia Heights was killed on Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands March 8,1945 - he was 19.

Ricky was discharged in 1946 after many months in hospitals, and recovered from his wounds, he came back to Anoka. "Welcome Home Ricky" was the banner hung across Main Street with many, many people lining the streets to watch the parade. Along with several others, I remember that parade with Ricky in his uniform riding in a convertible. The war was over and everyone was very proud of one of our own!

Recollections about Ricky from Virginia Gagnon Ridge: he was a great kid, her first cousin and her favorite cousin; they grew up on Benton Street - just blocks apart. Many years later, after Rick Sorenson Park was dedicated, he told Ginny that he wanted to tell all the kids there that he got chased away from that park when he was young. Because he had quit school to join the Marines, Rick got his GED and attended St. Johns in 1948. While attending college he met Millie, they were married in 1949 and recently celebrated 55 years together.

Rick was recalled to active duty in 1950 during the Korean War; he was a Marine recruiter here when Dick Schanhaar enlisted. He was stationed in Quantico, V A, Camp Pendleton, CA and Okinawa, Japan until resigning his commission in 1955.

He worked for many years with the Veterans Administration in Minnesota and California. Moving to Reno in 1978, he was Director for Nevada and nine CA counties until retiring in 1985.

On one of his visits back to Anoka, Rick donated a Revolutionary War drum to the Anoka County Historical Society because of his love of history. Another visit was a joint meeting October 2,1990 at the Post.

Sometime following that dedication, Richard K. Sorenson was awarded an honored Life Membership by Post 102.

Rick was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Virginia Sorenson. He is survived by wife Millie, children Robert of Mpls., Wendy Thorson of Reno, Debby Hanaway of Reno, James of Clearfield, Utah and Thomas of Sparks, NV. Seven grandchildren, brother William, sister Carol Atkins, nieces, nephews and many cousins.

A memorial service was held October 18 in Reno, his ashes to be flown back for a memorial service October 26 at the Fort Snelling Chapel. He will be buried in a special section reserved for Medal of Honor recipients at Fort Snelling National Cemetary .