Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Specialist Fourth Class William Ray (ASN: US-55875658), United States Army, for gallantry in action. Specialist Ray distinguished himself for extraordinary heroism against an armed hostile enemy force on 27 October 1967 while serving with Company B, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. Specialist Ray’s platoon was heavily engaged by the security element of a North Vietnamese Army regimental headquarters. In the initial burst of automatic weapons fire, three members of Specialist Ray’s squad were wounded. Specialist Ray, with total disregard for his own safety, immediately moved forward in the face of intense automatic weapons fire to aid his fallen comrades. Upon reaching the three men and discovering that they were dead, Specialist Ray, without hesitation, picked up a machinegun and began providing suppressive fire. Although quickly wounded in his exposed location, he refused medical treatment and continued to move forward through the withering hail of bullets, providing covering fire and pointing out enemy targets for the remainder of the platoon. Specialist Ray, through his aggressive actions, forced the enemy to flee from their position and only then did he allow himself to be evacuated for medical treatment. Specialist Ray’s quick thinking and unfaltering courage are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Awards Received