The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Robert P. Wray (MCSN: 0-24942), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief of Staff of the THIRD Marine Division in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam from 1 August to 8 November 1969, and while serving on Okinawa from 9 November 1969 to 21 June 1970. During these periods, Colonel Wray performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Skillfully directing and coordinating the myriad activities of the general and special staff sections, he provided consistently outstanding support to his command and was instrumental in developing concepts and initiating procedures to meet the administrative and operational demands created by the phased redeployment of Marine elements from the Republic of Vietnam. An experienced and perceptive tactician, he rendered invaluable assistance to his commanding general in the difficult task of planning and executing combined and joint combat operations in the northern sector of the I Corps Tactical Zone and frequently disregarded his own safety as he moved to forward areas to aid subordinate commanders in interpreting command relationships and mission direction. Through harmonious liaison with United States Army and Army of the Republic of Vietnam elements, he solved many seemingly insurmountable logistic and operational problems and ensured the efficient take-over of vacated areas and the timely movement of Marines from the combat zone to the point of embarkation. Arriving on Okinawa with the Division on 8 November 1969, Colonel Wray quickly established his staff section, directed the revision of policies and operating procedures to conform to an amphibious reserve mission, and assisted in organizing training programs which served to maintain the combat readiness of amphibious forces. His extraordinary initiative and determination earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his command’s mission. By his leadership, professional acumen, and unwavering devotion to duty, Colonel Wray rendered distinguished service to his country and thereby upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Wray is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Robert P. Wray (MCSN: 0-24942), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon from August 1970 to July 1973. Through his superb performance of duty during this period, Colonel Wray was instrumental in promoting improved programs in the recruiting and educating of midshipmen for careers as commissioned officers in the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. The exceptional leadership and professional knowledge which he displayed as Commanding Officer were recognized and widely respected at military and educational intuitions throughout the State of Oregon. Colonel Wray’s untiring efforts to carry out his demanding tasks with good judgment, effectiveness, and total devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
April 23 & 24, 1951
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Captain Robert P. Wray (MCSN: 0-24942), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 23 and 24 April 1951. When his right flank platoon was overrun during a series of fierce night attacks by numerically superior enemy forces while the company was defending a vital sector on a high hill dominating the battalion perimeter, Captain Wray bravely exposed himself to withering hostile automatic weapons, mortar and small arms fire to direct the re-establishment of a defense line and thereby limited the enemy penetration. Throughout the remainder of the night, he constantly moved from one position to another along the lines under heavy fire, encouraging his men and skillfully directing the defense and the evacuation of the wounded and, at dawn, executed a daring holding action in the face of devastating hostile fire while other friendly elements attacked from the rear to break through the enemy encirclement. By his inspiring leadership, exceptional courage and unswerving devotion to the fulfillment of his mission, Captain Wray served to inspire all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the success achieved by the battalion, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
1st BattalionRegiment:
1st MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.)Action Date:
February 24, 1951
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Robert P. Wray (MCSN: 0-24942), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of Company C, First Battalion, First Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 24 February 1951. Personally leading a tank-infantry force across the Arnul River into the communications center of Hoengsong to determine the strength and disposition of the enemy, Captain Wray calmly and skillfully directed the attack against bitterly defending delaying forces in the face of constant heavy mortar, automatic weapons and small arms fire from concealed positions on the high ground dominating the town. When his leading element was temporarily halted by withering machine gun fire from the ruins of houses, he fearlessly moved forward across an exposed rice paddy to encourage his men to close with the enemy, and to direct tanks to positions where effective fire could be delivered on the emplacements. Through his inspirational and aggressive leadership, his men liberated five captive friendly soldiers, killed an estimated fifty of the enemy, and successfully returned to their base with a minimum of casualties and much valuable information vital to the continuation of the attack. His resourceful initiative, outstanding courage and unwavering devotion to duty reflect great credit upon Captain Wray and the United States Naval Service.