World War II Honoree

Ray Moltzner Ely

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

DeSmet, South Dakota

Honored By

Ray W. Ely

Relationship

Son

Commissioned A 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves upon graduation from South Dakota State University. In 1942 at the outset of WWII, his reserve unit was called to active duty and he was assigned to duties running troop trains across the U.S., where he enjoyed riding with the engineers. He was promoted to Major and served as an infantry officer at the Ft. Benning, Georgia Officer Candidate School. In 1944, he was shipped to the Philippine Islands where he commanded an infantry unit. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in January of 1946. He returned to the states and was discharged from active duty in February of 1946. Military awards: American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, and Sharpshooter Badge and Pistol Bar.