World War II Honoree

William D. Wray

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Lenox, Iowa

STAFF SERGEANT. ENTERED THE SERVICE SEPTEMBER 20, 1943 AND TOOK 17 WEEKS OF BASIC TRAINING AT CAMP ROBERTS, CALIFORNIA. SQUAD LEADER OF 34TH REGIMENT, 24TH DIVISION. LED 12-MAN INFANTRY RIFLE SQUAD IN FIGHTING ON NEW GUINEA AND SEVERAL ISLANDS IN THE PHILIPPINES - LEYTE, MINDORO, NORTHERN LUZON, BATON, CORREGIDOR AND MINDANAO. ENDED UP ON THE ISLAND OF SHIKOKU, JAPAN. CARRIED OUT ORDERS FROM THE PLATOON LEADER CONCERNING DEPLOYMENT, ADVANCEMENT AND SECURING OBJECTIVES. USED M1 RIFLE AND A TOMMY GUN, WHICH HE LOVED TO SHOOT. ALSO USED A BAYONET AND TRENCH KNIFE IN CLOSE COMBAT. RECEIVED THE BRONZE ARROWHEAD, PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION, PHILIPPINE LIBERATION RIBBON WITH 3 STARS, GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL AND THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL. HONORABLY DISCHARGED ON JANUARY 12, 1946.