Ssgt. William Kundrat

Staff Sgt. William J. “Billy” Kundrat, of Holly Ridge, NC, died on Monday, July 10, 2017 along with 15 Marines and 1 Navy Corpsman in a military training accident in Mississippi. Born on April 14, 1984 in Baltimore, MD, he served 15 years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, initially as a Machinegunner with Weapons Company, 2D Battalion, 6th Marines from 2003 to 2006 and most recently as a Critical Skills Operator with the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command.

He was a 2002 graduate of Gov. Thomas Johnson High School in Frederick, MD, where he participated in football and lacrosse. That same year, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 799, Fort Detrick, MD. He joined the Marine Corps on July 30, 2002 and completed numerous combat and non-combat deployments. SSgt. Kundrat’s personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, four Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, three Afghanistan Campaign Medals, five Iraq Campaign Medals, Global Was on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, two Navy Meritorious Unit Commendations, Navy Unit Commendation, Presidential Unit Citation – Navy, NATO Medal – ISAF Afghanistan, and two Certificates of Commendation .

In addition to being a highly decorated Marine, Billy will always be remembered as a loving father, adoring husband, and loyal friend. He leaves behind his loving wife and high school sweetheart, Ashley, and their two children, Ethan and Aleah. His parents, Sgt. Major (retired) Joseph and Lynda Kundrat. His wife’s parents, Lenard and Faith Cregger. Brother-in-law Brandon Cregger, his wife, Kristi and their daughter, Savannah.

A proud family man, his wife and children were the light of his life and were always his number one priority. Billy spent time volunteering as an assistant scout master for his son’s Boy Scout Troop 234, and never passed up an opportunity to help with his daughter’s Girl Scout Troop. His smile was infectious and had the ability to light up even the darkest of rooms. He was well-known and loved by many in the community, and while he may never know the incredible and positive impact he had on so many others, he will truly never be forgotten.

Funeral services will be held at noon August 16, 2017 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington D.C. followed by a burial at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to an education fund for Billy’s children: Kundrat Family Education Fund, PO Box 4012, Surf City, NC 28445.