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Bray, Raymond Leon

Date of birth:
April 1st, 1918 (Greenville/Texas, United States)
Date of death:
August 7th, 1942 (Gavutu, Solomon Islands)
Service number:
295600
Nationality:
American (1776 - present, Republic)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Corporal
Unit:
Company B, 1st Marine Parachute Battalion, 1st Marine Division, U.S. Marine Corps
Awarded on:
December 4th, 1943
Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while serving with the FIRST Parachute Battalion, FIRST Marine Division, during the assault on enemy Japanese forces at Gavutu, Solomon Islands, on 7 August 1942. When the progress of a company was retarded by heavy sniper opposition, Corporal Bray and others courageously attacked a heavily barricaded three-inch gun emplacement from which the deadly fire was emanating. Utterly disregarding his extreme danger, he charged forward and, without waiting for his comrades, unhesitatingly plunged through the entrance and in spite of great odds engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat until reinforcement by other Marines insured elimination of the hostile position. Corporal Bray's daring, aggressive, and gallant conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. In a subsequent operation against the enemy on the same day he gallantly gave his life for his country."

SPOT AWARD, Commander, South Pacific: Serial 1113 (SofN Signed December 4, 1943).
Awarded posthumously.
Navy Cross

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