U.S. NAVY

David Robert Ray

Rank:

HOSPITAL CORPSMAN SECOND CLASS

Conflict/Era:

VIETNAM WAR

Unit/Command:

BATTERY D, 2D BATTALION, 11TH MARINES, 1ST MARINE DIVISION

Military Service Branch:

U.S. NAVY

Medal of Honor Action Date:

MARCH 19, 1969

Medal of Honor Action Place:

PHU LOC 6, NEAR AN HOA, QUANG NAM PROVINCE, REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

Citation:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a HC2c. with Battery D, 2d Battalion, at Phu Loc 6, near An Hoa. During the early morning hours, an estimated battalion-size enemy force launched a determined assault against the battery's position, and succeeded in effecting a penetration of the barbed-wire perimeter. The initial burst of enemy fire caused numerous casualties among the marines who had immediately manned their howitzers during the rocket and mortar attack. Undaunted by the intense hostile fire, HC2c. Ray moved from parapet to parapet, rendering emergency medical treatment to the wounded. Although seriously wounded himself while administering first aid to a marine casualty, he refused medical aid and continued his lifesaving efforts. While he was bandaging and attempting to comfort another wounded marine, HC2c. Ray was forced to battle two enemy soldiers who attacked his position, personally killing one and wounding the other. Rapidly losing his strength as a result of his severe wounds, he nonetheless managed to move through the hail of enemy fire to other casualties. Once again, he was faced with the intense fire of oncoming enemy troops and, despite the grave personal danger and insurmountable odds, succeeded in treating the wounded and holding off the enemy until he ran out of ammunition, at which time he sustained fatal wounds. HC2c. Ray's final act of heroism was to protect the patient he was treating. He threw himself upon the wounded marine, thus saving the man's life when an enemy grenade exploded nearby. By his determined and persevering actions, courageous spirit, and selfless devotion to the welfare of his marine comrades, HC2c. Ray served to inspire the men of Battery D to heroic efforts in defeating the enemy. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.

Additional Information:

Awarded Posthumously:

YES

Born:

FEBRUARY 14, 1945, MCMINNVILLE, WARREN COUNTY, TENNESSEE

Died:

MARCH 19, 1969, REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM