James Edwin Ray

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James Edwin Ray
JamesERay.jpg
James Edwin Ray, U.S. Air Force
Born (1941-08-25) August 25, 1941 (age 83)
Longview, Texas
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service / branchFlag of the United States Air Force.svg  United States Air Force
Years of service1964–1990
Rank Colonel
Unit 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron
Battles / wars Vietnam War
Awards Silver Star
Legion of Merit
Purple Heart
Prisoner of War Medal

James Edwin Ray (born August 25, 1941) was a United States Air Force officer and fighter pilot. He was awarded the Silver Star for his selflessness and courage in the face of great danger.

Contents

Biography

James E. Ray graduated from Texas A&M University in 1964. For two years, he flew F-105 fighter bombers in the U.S. Air Force. [1] On his 11th combat mission, on May 8, 1966, Ray had to eject over North Vietnam and was immediately captured. He was decorated for his resistance to his captors and developing techniques for his fellow prisoners to resist his captors. [2] [3] He was not released until February 12, 1973. [4]

Awards and decorations

COMMAND PILOT WINGS.png US Air Force Command Pilot Badge
Silver Star ribbon.svg Silver Star
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Legion of Merit ribbon.svg
Legion of Merit with bronze oak leaf cluster
Valor device.svg
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Bronze Star ribbon.svg
Bronze Star Medal with Valor device and bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Purple Heart BAR.svg
Purple Heart with bronze oak leaf cluster
Defense Meritorious Service ribbon.svg Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Meritorious Service ribbon.svg Meritorious Service Medal
Air Medal ribbon.svg Air Medal
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Outstanding Unit ribbon.svg
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with bronze oak leaf cluster
Prisoner of War ribbon.svg Prisoner of War Medal
National Defense Service Medal ribbon.svg National Defense Service Medal
Silver-service-star-3d.svg
Ribbonstar-bronze.svg
Ribbonstar-bronze.svg
Ribbonstar-bronze.svg
Vietnam Service Ribbon.svg
Vietnam Service Medal with silver and three bronze service stars
Silver oakleaf-3d.svg
Bronze oakleaf-3d.svg
Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon.svg
Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon with silver and bronze oak leaf clusters
U.S. Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon.svg Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon
Silver oakleaf-3d.svg
Air Force Longevity Service ribbon.svg
Air Force Longevity Service Award with silver oak leaf cluster
USAF Marksmanship ribbon.svg Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Air Force Training Ribbon.svg Air Force Training Ribbon
Tong-il Security Medal Ribbon.svg Order of National Security Merit, Tong-il Medal
Vietnam-gallantry-cross-unit-3d.png Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Award
Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon with 60- clasp.svg Vietnam Campaign Medal

References

  1. ↑ "Bio: James E. Ray". POW Network. Retrieved July 2, 2013.
  2. ↑ "James E Ray - Service Record". United States Air Force. n.d. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
  3. ↑ "James E Ray - Service Record - Bronze Star". United States Air Force. n.d. Retrieved 2008-09-25.
  4. ↑ "James E. Ray". Veteran Tributes. Archived from the original on 2009-11-25. Retrieved 2008-09-06.
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