- SURNAME
Wray
- FORENAME
Waverly W.
- UNIT
505 Parachute Infantry Regiment (Company D)
- RANK
First Lieutenant
- NUMBER
0-1030110
- DATE OF DEATH
19th September 1944
- AGE
25
- GRAVESITE
Shiloh Cemetery,Courtland,Panola County,Mississippi
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Batesville,Panola County,Mississippi
born 1919 Mississippi
4 years high school
farm hand in civilian life
entered service 9.1.1941 Camp Shelby,Mississippi (Private 34014506)
awards D.S.C.,Silver Star
KIA Nijmegen,Holland
DATE OF DEATH:
19-Sep-1944AWARD:
https://www.specialforcesroh.com/index.php?threads/wray-waverly-w.35379/CITATION:
Distinguished Service Cross : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Waverly W. Wray (ASN: 0-1030110), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company D, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, in action against enemy forces on 7 June 1944, in France. While his platoon was engaged in a heavy with the enemy, First Lieutenant Wray, completely disregarding his own safety, crawled under devastating machine gun fire and although wounded, fought on until he had destroyed two enemy machine gun positions. Returning to his platoon he reorganized it and, securing a re-supply of ammunition, led it in a successful attack upon the enemy. Only after he had driven the enemy from his platoon sector did he accept first aid for his wounds. First Lieutenant Wray's valiant leadership, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 82d Airborne Division, and the United States Army.
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Waverly W. Wray (ASN: 0-1030110), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 20 September 1944 at ****, Holland. On 20 September 1944, First Lieutenant Wray, Executive Officer of Company D, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, advanced with his company in the direction of the railroad bridge at ***, Holland, which spanned the Waal River. The objective of the company was to take and hold this bridge. The company, supported by British tanks and Bren gun carriers came under heavy fire from a concealed enemy position. German SS Troops, armed with automatic weapons and bazookas, were so located that they could fire on the lead tanks and it was necessary that they be eliminated at once. First Lieutenant Wray immediately and on his own initiative, formed a squad of men and personally led them in a vicious and successful attack on the enemy position. In this action he received severe wounds, but continued to lead his men until the enemy was eliminated. Through great initiative and personal courage, First Lieutenant Wray successfully removed an obstacle which seriously endangered the success of the entire battalion mission. Due to his gallant leadership the bridge over the Waal River was captured intact with reduced casualties. First Lieutenant Wray died from the wounds received in this engagement. His exemplary courage was typical of the outstanding performance achieved by this officer in every action in which he fought. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
Silver Star : The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Waverly W. Wray (ASN: 0-1030110), United States Army, for gallantry in action on 20 September 1944 at ****, Holland. On 20 September 1944, First Lieutenant Wray, Executive Officer of Company D, 2d Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, advanced with his company in the direction of the railroad bridge at ***, Holland, which spanned the Waal River. The objective of the company was to take and hold this bridge. The company, supported by British tanks and Bren gun carriers came under heavy fire from a concealed enemy position. German SS Troops, armed with automatic weapons and bazookas, were so located that they could fire on the lead tanks and it was necessary that they be eliminated at once. First Lieutenant Wray immediately and on his own initiative, formed a squad of men and personally led them in a vicious and successful attack on the enemy position. In this action he received severe wounds, but continued to lead his men until the enemy was eliminated. Through great initiative and personal courage, First Lieutenant Wray successfully removed an obstacle which seriously endangered the success of the entire battalion mission. Due to his gallant leadership the bridge over the Waal River was captured intact with reduced casualties. First Lieutenant Wray died from the wounds received in this engagement. His exemplary courage was typical of the outstanding performance achieved by this officer in every action in which he fought. His gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
WEB LINKS:
https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/22808
Last edited by a moderator:
