Gone but Never Forgotten - NBHC Everett Remembers Clinic Namesake

By Douglas H. Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Branch Health Clinic Everett formally recognized the Medal of Honor recipient and namesake of their clinic Feb. 15.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class David R. Ray, who would have turned 67 Feb 14, was remembered with a birthday celebration attended by staff and several distinguished guests. The event also included staff members who shared comments from Ray's family and another hospital corpsman who served alongside Ray during the Vietnam War.

Ray was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor (posthumously) for his actions during the Vietnam War at Phu Loc 6 near An Hoa in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, March 19, 1969. NBHC Everett, commissioned in 2002, is located within the David R. Ray Health Center.

"We really decided to do this ceremony for several reasons but primarily because it's the right thing to do. Sharing what Ray did is something that a number of our more seasoned petty officers can relate to. They have deployed like Ray did and have been in the action. But we also have younger corpsmen that have yet to deploy and this clinic is their initial command experience. They need to know and understand that Ray's legacy defines who we are," said Cmdr. Doug Stephens, NBHC Everett officer in charge.

Rear Adm. C. Forrest Faison III, commander Navy Medicine West and Naval Medical Center San Diego, addressed the assembled staff of NBHC Everett during part of his tour of Pacific Northwest Navy hospitals and clinics and stressed that by their actions they were continuing to follow in Ray's footsteps.

"We do stand on the shoulders of giants, much like Petty Officer Ray. All of you are following with that tradition," said Faison.

NBHC Everett Command Master Chief Martin Aquino read correspondence from Ray's sister, Mary Don Bixby, Friends of Fondren Library executive director at Rice University

"I wish that I could be with you today. One of my fondest memories is attending the opening ceremony for the health center. We were treated with such respect and warmth during our visit, and we returned home with the knowledge that my brother had been honored by an exceptional group of U.S. Navy personnel who had chosen to name the health center for him. His love of his country and his dedication to his work as a corpsman led him to give his life to save the lives of others. Every day I am in awe of his heroism. It is hard to believe that Bobby, as we called him, would have turned 67 on Feb. 14. Thank you for honoring my brother in this special way. Even though we've never met, you can be assured that you are often in my thoughts," wrote Bixby.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Krystal Wasson also shared a personal letter, one penned 43 years ago in Quang Nam Province by Ray's friend Hospital Corpsman Tommy Vickers to his family. The letter was received by Mr. and Mrs. Tom Vickers from their son the day before the Rays were notified on their son being killed in action.

It read, in part, "I guess you know by now that Bob Ray got killed last night. They (Vietcong) ran over An Hoa. This is the story I got from a Marine he (Ray) patched up. They started when one got through the wire and pulled a satchel charge under a hutch. When it went off everyone ran outside. They started mowing them down as they ran out. Bob got hit, but was still treating wounded when he was hit the second time. I hope this isn't true, but this Marine said he and Bob were real close. After his mother has calmed down, tell her this Marine said Bob knew his job and was doing it. He fixed my arm. Then he started to cry. He said that the enemy was all over them, plus rockets and mortars as thick as flies."

Vickers worked late in the night and well into the next day helping to treat and care for mass casualties. By 6:30 a.m. March 20, six more choppers from An Hoa landed. Vickers still could not locate his friend and began asking Marines from Ray's outfit if they knew his status.

"Everyone said he had been hit, but no one knew how bad. Then this one kid told me what happened. I couldn't work. All I could do was sit and stare," wrote Vickers.

In addition to Ray, 10 Marines died in the battle.

"This ceremony is a poignant and powerful reminder of who we are," said Capt. Christopher Culp, Naval Hospital Bremerton commanding officer.

David R. Ray's Medal of Honor Citation was also read: "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a HM2 with Battery D, 2d Battalion, at Phu Loc 6, near An Hoa. During the early morning hours, an estimated battalion-sized enemy force launched a determined assault against the battery's position, and succeeded in effecting a penetration of the barbed-wire perimeter. The initial burst of enemy fire caused numerous casualties among the marines who had immediately manned their howitzers during the rocket and mortar attack. Undaunted by the intense hostile fire, HM2 Ray moved from parapet to parapet, rendering emergency medical treatment to the wounded. Although seriously wounded himself while administering first aid to a marine casualty, he refused medical aid and continued his lifesaving efforts. While he was bandaging and attempting to comfort another wounded marine, HM2 Ray was forced to battle two enemy soldiers who attacked his position, personally killing one and wounding the other. Rapidly losing his strength as a result of his severe wounds, he nonetheless managed to move through the hail of enemy fire to other casualties. Once again, he was faced with the intense fire of oncoming enemy troops and, despite the grave personal danger and insurmountable odds, succeeded in treating the wounded and holding off the enemy until he ran out of ammunition, at which time he sustained fatal wounds. HM2 Ray's final act of heroism was to protect the patient he was treating. He threw himself upon the wounded marine, thus saving the man's life when an enemy grenade exploded nearby. By his determined and persevering actions, courageous spirit, and selfless devotion to the welfare of his marine comrades, HM2 Ray served to inspire the men of Battery D to heroic efforts in defeating the enemy. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service."