Raymond Arthur Ray
Raymond Arthur Ray was born in St. Louis Missouri on March 28, 1924. At 18 years of age he was 6’, 150 lbs., hazel eyes, brown hair and fair complexion. He was of German and Irish descent from his Mothers’ side. His Fathers’ family is unknown – only that he was born in Kentucky. He went to Peabody Grammar School, attended McKinley High School and graduated in 1943.
He was a drill press operator at Dazy Churn Manufacturing Co. in 1943 and he made $21.00 a week. He attended Caroline Mission Evangelical and Reform Church. He was a member of the South Side Pandas A.C. He enjoyed softball, basketball and football.
He registered for the draft on March 24, 1924. Raymond and his fiancee Ruth were engaged to be married when he shipped off to the Navy. Ruth kept a service book about him while he served. He was 18 years of age when he submitted his registration card and was unemployed at that time. He was enlisted into the Navy on 18, June 1943 and arrived in Farragut Idaho 28, June 1943. Raymond was Seaman 2nd Class and his compensation was $54 a month.
On 12/15/43 He went by train to Shoemaker CA and arrived the 20th. On 12/20/43 he went to Hunter’s Point and boarded the carrier Intrepid on 12/30/1943. On 1/5/44 he shipped out of the states. On February 17 the Intrepid engaged in a battle against the Japanese off Truk Islands. The Intrepid was attacked by Japanese aircraft and a torpedo struck the ship. The attack killed 5 men instantly, 6 more were missing and found to have been killed. Another 17 were wounded. Raymond was one of those missing.
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