World War II Honoree

William 'Bill' Wray

Branch of Service

U.S. Navy

Hometown

Chicago, Illinois

Honored By

Robert John Wray

Relationship

Son

VOLUNTEERED FOR NAVY IN 1942. LEFT SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA ON DESTROYER, USS TINGEY DD-539 AND SAW CONTINUOUS ACTION IN THE PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS. HIS SHIP SUPPORTED LANDING ASSAULTS FROM GUADALCANAL, IWO JIMA, SAIPAN, AND TINIAN TO THE MARSHALL ISLANDS. KAMIKAZE ATTACKS WERE FREQUENT PROBLEMS. HE WAS CONTINUALLY AT SEA FOR OVER THREE YEARS FINALLY TOUCHING LAND WHEN HIS SHIP MADE TOKYO BAY AFTER THE WAR ENDED.