Recognizing the Life of Commander Robert Wilson Pratt

Floor Speech

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Mr. ROY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Commander Robert Wilson Pratt, who passed away at his home in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at the age of 99.

Robert was born on June 14, 1922, in Superior, Nebraska to Dr. Irving and Rose Pratt. He and his younger sister Peggy were raised in San Antonio, Texas where they both graduated from Jefferson High School. Robert attended the San Antonio College after he graduated from Jefferson in 1941 until he enlisted in the Navy in October of 1942. Due to his college credits already earned, he was entered into an officer training program. He was commissioned an Ensign in May of 1944. He proceeded to be part of the commissioning crew of LST 781. LST 781 then sailed from New Orleans, LA through the Panama Canal and into the South Pacific Theater. His ship participated in many of the island invasions in the Pacific culminating in the invasion of Okinawa where he survived kamikaze attacks while supporting Marine Corp Air Unit logistics. His ship had the distinction of being one of the first American ships to enter a Japanese port after the Atomic Bombs ended the conflict. He used a jeep from his ship to drive the short distance to Hiroshima to see the destruction there since no one knew anything about the danger of radiation. It was a sight he could never forget.

He returned after the war to San Antonio and completed his undergraduate degree in marketing at St. Mary's University. He was working for General Motors when he met the love of his life, Frances Salley of Alice, Texas. They married in January of 1950. When they returned from their honeymoon, he was greeted by a letter from the United States Navy calling him back to active duty for the Korean conflict. After Korea, he and Frances returned to South Texas where they raised two sons, Robert W Pratt II and Byron Wayne Pratt.

Robert had careers as an executive for Central Power & Light Company and later as a real estate developer of apartment communities. He stayed in the Navy Reserves retiring with the rank of Commander. He was an active member of the Corpus Christi Yacht Club for many years.

Robert and Frances enjoyed a 71+ year partnership and adventure together. Many of their best times were spent with family and friends aboard their 50-foot ketch, the Masquerade, on voyages that went from Florida to Annapolis, Maryland, and throughout the Caribbean. They moved from Corpus Christi, Texas to Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas in 1995 where RW continued to manage some of his real estate assets and mentor younger people he met to grow to their full potential.

We are able to live free today because of the courage of men like Commander Pratt, who put their lives on hold and answered their country's call when it needed them most. Love of family, country, and a life dedicated to service sum up the character of Commander Pratt, a member of the Greatest Generation. These stories will inspire future generations of Americans to pursue a life dedicated to causes greater than themselves. I hope this testament to Commander Pratt's life serves as an acknowledgment of the immeasurable debt of gratitude owed to him by the American people. On behalf of Texas' 21st Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the extraordinary life of Commander Pratt and his dedicated service to our country. Today, a grateful Nation thanks him.

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