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1 of 1977 James Ray

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Name	James Ray
Born	09/10/1925
Birthplace	Eldorado, Illinois
Notes	James D. Ray. Born September 10, 1925, in Eldorado, Illinois and passed November 5, 2021. James was 96 when he passed. Cherished husband of 63 years to the late Wanda. Beloved father of Stan (Janice) and Gary (Lauren). Proud papa to 5 and great papa Jim to 10. James served proudly in WWII aboard a Navy destroyer escort, the USS Douglas A Munro and was an active member of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association (DESA). He also traveled and worked on the museum ship USS Slater, a WWII era destroyer escort located in Albany, NY for 22 years with the DESA organization. Memorial Gathering will be held at Fred Wood Funeral Home 36100 Five Mile Rd. Livonia (E. of Levan) Wed. Nov. 17th from 10:30am-12:30pm with a Service at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to USS Slater at the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum. Please visit online guestbook fredwoodfuneralhome.com https://www.freep.com/obituaries/det107685
Role	Military
Spouse	Wanda Ray
Children	Stan Ray Gary Ray

Related Records

1. 2025.12.10 - USS DOUGLAS A. MUNRO (DE-422) collides with civilian boat

   This clipped newspaper article titled, "Destroyer Escort, Small Boat Collide", describes a collision between the DOUGLAS A. MUNRO and the privately-owned, 42-foot cabin cruiser Penrod II, off Mare Island, CA. The five-man crew of the boat were rescued and treated for wounds and their boat was towed to the Richmond Municipal Pier by a United States Coast Guard tug. Newspaper publication unknown.

   Record Type: Archive

   
2. 2025.12.12 - USS DOUGLAS A. MUNRO (DE-422) underway

   The DOUGLAS A. MUNRO is seen from a Naval aircraft painted in Measure 32/3D dazzle camouflage. Possible date is early December 1944.

   Record Type: Photo

   
3. 2025.12.13 - USS DOUGLAS A. MUNRO enters a dry dock/pier

   The DOUGLAS A. MUNRO is seen entering or leaving a dry dock or a pier. She is painted in her Pacific Theater paint scheme, Measure 21. Crew are visible on her foc'sle as well as atop her forward 5-inch mount. Yard workers stand on the pier adjacent to mooring lines.

   Record Type: Photo

   
4. 2025.12.14 - James Ray, WT2c Separation Papers

   Notice of Separation from U.S. Naval Service (NAVPERS-553) Rev. 8-45 record of James Ray, WT2c. This form summarizes his WWII naval service including training, assigned stations, and awards.

   Record Type: Archive

   
5. 2025.12.15 - Order for Transferred man to Report for Induction

   Sent from the Selective Service Program to James Ray on 18 November 1943. It instructs Mr. Ray to report to the Eldorado, Illinois Post Office Building at 7:30 pm on 29 November 1943 for examination and induction into the military.

   Record Type: Archive

   
6. 2025.12.16 - State of Illinois Service Recognition Certificate

   This certificate was awarded to James Ray, WT2c by the Illinois Service Recognition Board for meritorious service in the Armed Forces. Signed by the Adjutant General, Governor, and state Treasurer.

   Record Type: Archive

   
7. 2025.12.17 - James Ray, WT2c Honorable Discharge certificate

   James Ray, WT2c recieved an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Navy on 19 May 1946 at the Great Lakes, Illinois Personnel Separation Center, signed and authorized by Lt. (j.g.) L. C. Sabby, USNR. The reverse side includes information from NAVPERS-553, Notice of Separation.

   Record Type: Archive

   
8. 2025.12.18 - Thank You from President Truman

   This letter was sent to all honorably discharged veterans from President Truman. The letter thanks James Ray, WT2c for his WWII service and looks to him and others for their leadership in the post-war era.

   Record Type: Archive

   
9. 2025.12.20 - Orders to Inactive Duty

   This form provided James Ray, WT2c information regarding his transfer to inactive duty as a member of the United States Naval Reserve. It explains him being allowed to seek employment in both the private sector and in all levels of the government. He will not be receiving any pay for being inactive and may only wear his naval uniform during authorized training duty and at ceremonies and memorial services.

   Record Type: Archive

   
10. 2025.12.21 A-B - Important Information for Dischargees and Explanation of Official Papers

    This four-page packet explains the types of documents James Ray, WT2c can expect to receive following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy. It also includes locations of government offices should he require assistance. NAV 9ND PSCGL CR-4 (REV 1-46)

    Record Type: Archive

    
11. 2025.12.25 - Water Tender, Second Class Rating Description

    This booklet describes the job functions of a sailor with the Water Tender Second Class rating as well as jobs in which skills learned could be transferred to.

    Record Type: Archive

    
12. 2025.12.26 A-B - James Ray, WT2c WWII ribbons

    Ribbon bar worn by James Ray, WT2c for his service in WWII. From left to right: Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 5 stars, Philippine Liberation Medal with 1 star, and World War II Victory Medal. One of the Asiatic-Pacific stars has fallen off.

    Record Type: Object

    
13. 2025.12.4 - Line of Destroyer Escorts

    Five unknown destroyer escorts are shown sailing in a line formation. This may have been a training exercise or during a non-convoy period as they moved to a new location. Photograph is believed to have been captured from the DOUGLAS A. MUNRO. Other ships seen may be those of Escort Division consisting of the following ships. USS DOUGLAS A. MUNRO (DE-422) USS DUFILHO (DE-423) USS HAAS (DE-424) USS CHARLES E. BRANNON (DE-446) USS ALBERT T. ...

    Record Type: Photo

    
14. 2025.12.5 - Aircraft Carrier

    An unknown aircraft carrier is seen cruising somewhere in the Pacific. The identity of the carrier is unknown. Photograph is believed to have been taken aboard the DOUGLAS A. MUNRO. A davit arm for the motor whaleboat and a 20mm mount are partially visible on the MUNRO.

    Record Type: Photo

    
15. 2025.12.6 - Operating with an Escort Carrier

    An unknown escort carrier is viewed from the DOUGLAS A. MUNRO with aircraft on her flight deck.

    Record Type: Photo

    
16. 2025.12.7 - Operating with a Carrier

    An unknown carrier is seen in the distance as viewed from the stern of the DOUGLAS A. MUNRO.

    Record Type: Photo

    
17. 2025.12.9 - Pocket notebook

    This moleskin notebook was carried by James D. Ray, WT2c during his WWII service aboard the DOUGLAS A. MUNRO. He primarily used it to record ports of call from commissioning on 11 July 1944 in Houston, TX through numerous Pacific islands until the ship's arrival at Mare Island, CA in February 1946. James also used the notebook for math calculations as shown in the 8th image.

    Record Type: Photo