Dutchess County officials honored U.S. Army Corporal Howard A. Traudt at a ceremony this month at American Legion Post 429 in Rhinebeck, recognizing his decades of service to his community and fellow veterans.
Traudt was born in Rhinebeck on November 1, 1933, and drafted into the Army on July 9, 1953. He served with the 7th Field Artillery Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany, during the early Cold War, completing his military service in 1955.
After returning home, Traudt worked for 39 years with the U.S. Post Office while also running a painting and wallpapering business and lawn service, continuing to mow lawns at age 85. He coached Little League for two decades and devoted much of his life to honoring veterans, particularly through the American Legion and a scholarship program established in memory of his brother Roland, who was killed in World War II.
Traudt died on February 24, 2024, at age 90. He is survived by four sons, 15 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. Dutchess County invites nominations for its monthly Honor-A-Veteran ceremonies, held April through November, to recognize deceased U.S. Armed Forces veterans.