Name: David Robert Ray
Rank: Hospital Corpsman Second Class
Branch: U.S. Navy
Unit: 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), FMF
Place: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam
Entered Service At: Nashville, Tennessee
Born: 14 February 1945, McMinnville, Tennessee
Summary of Action
In the early morning hours of 19 March 1969, an estimated battalion-sized enemy force launched a determined assault on a Marine artillery position near An Hoa in Quang Nam Province.
The attack quickly breached the barbed-wire perimeter, and heavy rocket, mortar, and small-arms fire inflicted numerous casualties among the Marines manning their howitzers.
Amid the chaos, Hospital Corpsman Second Class David R. Ray moved without hesitation.
Under intense enemy fire, he went from parapet to parapet, treating the wounded wherever they lay.
He was soon seriously wounded himself.
He refused aid.
Continuing his work, Ray reached another injured Marine and began administering treatment—when enemy soldiers overran the position. In close combat, he killed one attacker and wounded another, defending both himself and his patient.
Despite his worsening condition, he pressed on—moving again through the fire to reach more casualties.
Outnumbered and nearly out of strength, he continued to treat the wounded and fight off advancing enemy troops until his ammunition was exhausted.
In his final moments, as a grenade landed near the Marine he was treating, Ray made one last decision.
He threw himself over the wounded man.
The explosion killed him—but saved the life of the Marine beneath him.
Medal of Honor Citation
RAY, DAVID ROBERT
Rank and organization: Hospital Corpsman Second Class, U.S. Navy, 2d Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division (Rein), FMF.
Place and date: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, 19 March 1969.
Entered service at: Nashville, Tenn.
Born: 14 February 1945, McMinnville, Tenn.
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-sized 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 2 enemy soldiers who attacked his position, personally killing 1 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.
Name: David Robert Ray
