Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Executive Officer, Company D, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

November 30th, 1944

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

"For gallantry in action on 20 September 1944 at ****, Holland. On 20 September 1944, First Lieutenant Wray, Executive Officer of Company D, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, advanced with his company in the direction of the railroad bridge at ***, Holland, which spanned the Waal River. The objective of the company was to take and hold this bridge. The company, supported by British tanks and Bren gun carriers came under heavy fire from a concealed enemy position. German SS Troops, armed with automatic weapons and bazookas, were so located that they could fire on the lead tanks and it was necessary that they be eliminated at once. First Lieutenant Wray immediately and on his own initiative, formed a squad of men and personally led them in a vicious and successful attack on the enemy position. In this action he received severe wounds, but continued to lead his men until the enemy was eliminated. Through great initiative and personal courage, First Lieutenant Wray successfully removed an obstacle which seriously endangered the success of the entire battalion mission. Due to his gallant leadership the bridge over the Waal River was captured intact with reduced casualties. First Lieutenant Wray died from the wounds received in this engagement. His exemplary courage was typical of the outstanding performance achieved by this officer in every action in which he fought. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army." (editorial: date of September 20th can not be correct and should be September 19th 1944.)

Headquarters, 82d Airborne Division, General Orders No. 61

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Executive Officer, Company D, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

1944

Citation:
First Lieutenant Waverly W. Wray, 0-1030110, 505th Parachute Infantry, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action against the enemy on 7 June 1944, in France. While his platoon was engaged in a heavy fight with the enemy, Fist Lieutenant Wray, completely disregarding his own safety, crawled under devastating machine gun fire and although wounded, fought on until he had destroyed two enemy machine gun positions. Returning to his platoon he reorganized it and, securing a resupply of ammunition, led it in a successful attack upon the enemy. Only after he had driven the enemy from his platoon sector did he accept first aid for his wounds. The personal bravery and valiant leadership displayed by First Lieutenant Wray reflects great credit on himself and is in keeping with the highest traditions of the armed forces.

Headquarters, FIRST U.S. Army, General Orders No. 51

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Executive Officer, Company D, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Awarded on:

October 8th, 1945

Awarded for:

Operation Market Garden

For having distinguished himself during the fighting by the 82nd Airborne Division in the area around Nijmegen between September 17th and October 4th 1944 by having performed outstanding deeds of courage, tact and loyalty and having repeatedly displayed outstanding devotion to duty and great perseverance and in all respects having set a praiseworthy example to all in those illustrious days during which he lost his life.

Royal decree no.31 Awarded posthumously.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

1st Lieutenant

Unit:

Executive Officer, Company D, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division "All American", U.S. Army

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)