Introduction

A short while ago we were contacted by a good friend of the Ray family. She asked if a donation could be made to our community in the name of Mr. Ray, and I told her we'd be honored, and we would also like to accept the donation in memoriam and we would love to share to our members just who Mr. Ray was, with the family permission.

 

The Family Man

I cannot write better words than Mr. Ray's own grown child could, so here are the beautiful words.

 

"There is no way I can put together the words to pay proper tribute to my Dad. I truly believe he was one of a kind. A Godly Soul, loving Husband, amazing Dad, proud Papa, faithful Deacon, giving Uncle, a genuinely good Friend to anyone who needed. He gave me more than I could ever repay. If I can be a small fraction of the man he was, I'll take it and consider myself lucky. I am so thankful for the time my son got to spend with his Papa. He was a great example for him to follow. | know he would not want us to be sad but it’s hard. I'll always think of him and all the good life we had with and because of him. He had so little yet gave so much to us. I remember him working himself ragged to provide for his family. Many nights when his shop was behind our house, he would stop working long enough to eat and be with us until he had to go finish a car, or several, he was repairing. We would get ready for bed, go out and tell him good night and we loved him, get our hugs and off to bed while he continued to provide for us. I've said it many times, growing up we had many of the things we wanted but ALL of things we needed thanks to my parents. I can take solace in knowing without a doubt, he is in Heaven and I'll get to see him again one day. I'll be forever thankful that the last words we said to each other were “I love you”. I know he did and hope he knows how much I did. Until we meet again, I truly love you Dad."

 

The Warrior

Hugh L. Ray Commended for Heroic Action

On October 2, 1968 Specialist four, Hugh L. Ray was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device. His orders read as follows.

 

"For heroism in connection with military operations against a hostile force in Republic of Vietnam. On this date, Spec. Ray was serving as a mortar squad leader with his company at his night defensive position. During the night, the camp was suddenly subjected to an intense enemy mortar attack. With complete disregard for his personal safety, Specialist Ray maneuvered through the hail of hostile rounds to his weapon's position and directed his crew in their rapid and accurate counter mortar fire. He continually supervised the operations of his squad until the attack was suppressed. The following day, a reconnaissance of the area encompassing, the perimeter disclosed three dead Viet Cong and one complete mortar. His courageous initiative and bold determination significantly contributed toward the successful outcome of the encounter. Specialist Four Ray's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 1st Infantry Division, and the United States Army.

 

"BY direction of the Secretary of the Army, under the provisions of AR 672-5-1."

SP/4 Ray's tour of duty will be completed Feb. 20, 1969. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Horace Ray of Woodstock.

 

Our Thanks

On behalf of all our Patriot Woodworker's we want to give thanks for Mr. Ray's service to our nation, and the sacrifice's he made during his tour and time in the United States Army.

We have many Vietnam Veterans in this community who I am sure are recalling their own time in service as they read this memoriam, and are feeling the brotherhood with Mr. Ray. The Vietnam Veteran community are close knit, they are all brothers, and we are proud to have this memoriam in our pages within our own community, where Mr. Ray's memory will be honored and live on indefinitely.

Thank you to the entire Ray Family for sharing this wonderful man with us.

 

The funds that were donated to our community on behalf of Mr. Ray, will be set aside and used to assist a veteran in need. 

 

United States Army, Specialist Four, Hugh L. Ray. 1st Infantry Division

 

Links of interest

• Hugh Ray Obituary
• History of the US Army 1st Infantry Division

• 'Big Red One' honors Vietnam veterans with welcome-home ceremony

• The Big Red One leads the way again, this time in Vietnam

 

RIP, brother. And, thanks to the family for their generosity in his memory.

Edited September 13, 20205 yr by Gene Howe

RIP brother, will see you on the other side.

God bless you, and thank you!

Thank you, brother, for having our backs.  You have walked bravely through hell.  

Fair winds and following seas, Brother. We have the watch.

Hugh was the kind of man we need more of - not less. I never knew him but I consider that my loss. My hopes are for peace and loving memories for his family. 

 

Frankly, I was amazed when I saw the picture of his younger self. He looks almost like my identical twin. I showed my wife the picture and her hand went to her mouth in shock. I found myself in similar combat situations and the story and his picture swept me back to the sweat, mud, insects and intensity of the experience. Some memories never leave us even after 50 years. I regret that I never had the honor of welcoming him home. 

 RIP brother. We fired support for Big Red One and were also hit by mortars. I can see his bravery in my mind.

It’s always very sad to hear of one of our brothers passing. Rest In Peace, you’re with the angels now.

RIP Hugh. Thank you for your service.