Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

Awarded on:

February 23rd, 1944

Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism as Commanding Officer of Company A, First Battalion, Second Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Tarawa Atoll, Gilbert Islands, 20 November 1943, When the amphibious tractor in which he was riding was met by intense enemy fire as it approached the beach, Captain Bray unhesitatingly manned an unshielded .50 caliber machine gun in the vehicle and, remaining steadfast at his hazardous post, directed a continuous stream of fire at hostile positions until the tractor came to a stop on the beach. Immediately mustering his men and finding that only a small number had reached shore he promptly reorganized numerous scattered, leaderless units in the vicinity and began a determined attack inland, leading his men across the exposed taxi strip in the face of violent machinegun, mortar, and rifle fire to reinforce the battered remnants of another company despite the heavy casualties sustained by his own. Later, under his brilliant leadership, his company crossed the bullet-swept area of a fighter strip and although he was seriously wounded during the action, succeeded in capturing an important part of the south beach. Captain Bray's splendid tactical ability and indomitable fighting spirit under extremely perilous conditions reflect great credit upon himself, his gallant command and the United States Naval Service."

SPOT AWARD, Commander in Chief Pacific Forces: Serial 0647 (February 23, 1944)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Captain

Unit:

Company A, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division "The Silent Second", U.S. Marine Corps