World War II Honoree

Ray D. Bates

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Haleyville, Alabama

Honored By

Ullman Fortenberry

Relationship

Friend

ENLISTED IN THE ARMY AIR CORPS DECEMBER 3, 1942 AT FORT MCCLELLAN, ALABAMA AS A PRIVATE. ASSIGNED TO THE ARMY AIR CORPS AIRCRAFT MECHANIC SCHOOL AT KEESLER FIELD, MISSISSIPPI. AFTER GRADUATING THAT SCHOOL WAS ASSIGNED TO AERIAL GUNNERY SCHOOL AT HARLINGEN, TEXAS. THEN WAS ASSIGNED TO CREW TRAINING AT POCATELLO, IDAHO AS A BALL TURRET GUNNER. THEN WAS ASSIGNED TO THE 8TH AIR FORCE IN ENGLAND, 453RD BOMB GROUP, 773RD SQUADRON AT OLD BUCKINGHAM FOR 6 1/2 MONTHS WHERE HE FLEW ON 13 MISSIONS OVER EUROPE. WOUNDED AND CRASHED IN HIS B-24 ON MAY 8, 1944 ON HIS 13TH MISSION AND SURVIVED. DECORATIONS INCLUDE THE AIR MEDAL AND PURPLE HEART.