Jerry Earle Kraft

When PT 109 was filmed Jerry was a second-class air control man stationed at NAS Key West on Boca Chica Island. Base personnel were offered the opportunity to take leave to act as extras in the movie. Jerry says that his work as a mere extra made him more than triple his military salary. During the filming one of the airplanes used in the movie was damaged. The film company wanted to continue to use the plane, but Willie Mount, the FAA representative, refused to allow an unsafe plane to be flown for any reason. Jerry served the Navy for 28 1/2 years and was stationed all over the world in various capacities. Although he loved acting he chose first to serve his country. He was active in small theater groups when stationed in locations long enough to allow him the opportunity and appeared in some foreign films while stationed in South America, Italy and Spain. While stationed in California, Jerry acted as an extra in many productions, intentionally and inadvertently. His favorite roles were those he played entertaining his 5 children when they were young. His oldest daughter recalls vivid encounters with house elves and Santa while growing up. He retired from the USN in 1987 as a MasterChief Aviation Anti-Submarine Warfare Operator. Since then he has continued to act in local live theaters and at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire and Great Dickens Christmas Faire. His favorite role is playing Father Christmas for children and hospital patients during the Holidays.