Swanton High School awards diploma to World War II veteran

8/4/2004

SWANTON - While his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren watched with pride, John Rade, a World War II veteran, received his Swanton High School diploma during a special presentation last week.

Bill Green, Swanton school board president, thanked Mr. Rade for serving the country, and Superintendent Kevin McQuade said that Swanton High School is proud to have Mr. Rade as one of its alumni.

Mr. Rade graduated from the eighth grade from Pike Elementary School but had to quit school because of a family hardship, according to his daughter Sue Rade.

Mr. Rade of Toledo was a technical sergeant with the 390th Air Service Squadron during the war. He earned several medals for his service.

Among those attending the meeting to honor him were his wife, Margie, to whom he has been married 58 years, three children, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Before he was drafted Mr. Rade attended a vocational school in Toledo to learn welding. While in service, he trained in welding and electrical work. After his discharge, he attended night school to become an electrician. Most of his career was spent with Hood Electric. He retired in 1984.

A state law allows diplomas to be awarded to those who did not graduate because of war service.