World War II Honoree
World War II Veteran
Ray Chavez
Branch of Service
U.S. Navy
Hometown
San Diego, California
Honored By
Missouri DAV Chapter 67
HE ENLISTED IN THE NAVY IN 1938 AND WAS ASSIGNED TO THE MINESWEEPER THE USS CONDOR, STATIONED AT PEARL HARBOR. AT 3:45 AM DECEMBER 7, 1941, THEY WERE SWEEPING THE EAST ENTRANCE TO THE HARBOR WHEN THEY SPOTTED THE PERISCOPE OF A JAPANESE MIDGET SUBMARINE. AFTER SEVERAL DEPTH CHARGES WERE DROPPED TO SINK THE SUB IN 1,500 FEET OF WATER. THE REST OF THE MORNING PASSED UNEVENTFULLY. HIS WATCH WAS OVER SO HE WENT HOME TO EWA BEACH AND WENT TO BED. HE AWOKE TO THE ATTACK.