Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
Johnson
Ray
1920-04-02

–

1986-09-03

Born:

Brookline

, 

Massachusetts

Home:

Brookline

, 

Massachusetts

Buried: 

West Point

, 

New York

Cemetery:

U.S. Military Academy Post Cemetery

William Ray graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of June 1943. He retired in 1967 as a U.S. Army Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Colonel (Infantry)

    Division:

    U.S. Military Academy

    Action Date:

    1964 – 1967
    United States Military Academy Register of Graduates

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Infantry) William Johnson Ray (ASN: 0-26139), United States Army, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, from 1964 to 1967.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army

    Rank:

    Captain (Infantry)

    Batallion:

    3d Battalion

    Regiment:

    9th Infantry Regiment

    Division:

    2d Infantry Division

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, 2d Infantry Division, General Orders No. 2 (1946)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) William Johnson Ray (ASN: 0-26139), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving as Commanding Officer of Company K, 3d Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against the enemy at Rhemick, Germany, in 1945. Wounded twice, Captain Ray refused evacuation and then halted his withdrawing company, outlining actions and directing them in an advance that resulted in a forward push and capture of Rhemick on the Rhine River. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Captain Ray, 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.