Honoring a Legacy of Sacrifice: Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class David R. Ray

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class David R. Ray, a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor, embodies the spirit of selfless service and courage. His legacy continues to inspire those serving at the David R. Ray Branch Medical Clinic at Naval Station Everett and throughout the Navy’s Hospital Corps.

A Life Dedicated to Service

David Robert “Bobby” Ray was born on February 14, 1945, in McMinnville, Tennessee, to David F. And Donnie M. Ray. He graduated from City High School in McMinnville in 1963 and attended the University of Tennessee, earning a scholarship and studying at the Knoxville campus from 1963 to 1966. He similarly received an associate of arts degree from Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, in 1965. A memorial honoring Ray was established on the Cumberland University campus in 2003.

Naval Service and Vietnam War

Ray enlisted in the U.S. Navy on March 28, 1966, and completed recruit training at Naval Training Center, San Diego, California. He then attended the Naval Hospital Corps School in San Diego, becoming a hospital corpsman and earning promotion to hospitalman on June 20, 1966. He served aboard the USS Haven, receiving a promotion to hospital corpsman third class on April 16, 1967. In December of that year, he was assigned to a Marine artillery battery.

Heroism in Action

On March 19, 1969, near An Hoa, Quảng Nam Province, South Vietnam, Ray demonstrated extraordinary heroism although serving with Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division. During a fierce enemy assault, he repeatedly risked his life to provide medical care to wounded Marines, even after sustaining serious injuries himself.

According to the Medal of Honor citation, Ray continued to treat casualties and hold off the enemy until he exhausted his ammunition, ultimately sacrificing his life to protect a fellow Marine from a grenade explosion. His actions inspired the Marines of Battery D to defeat the enemy.

Posthumous Recognition and Lasting Impact

David R. Ray was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his valor. His sacrifice is remembered annually on March 19th by the hospital corpsman community.

The David R. Ray Branch Medical Clinic Everett, named in his honor, serves as a constant reminder of his dedication and bravery. Hospital corpsmen stationed at the clinic recognize the significance of following in his footsteps and upholding the traditions of the Hospital Corps. In 2012, clinic staff reached out to Ray’s family, with his sister, Mary Don Bixby, expressing her gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her brother.

“His love of his country and his dedication to his perform as a corpsman led him to give his life to save the lives of others. Every day I am in awe of his heroism,” Bixby wrote.

A Legacy of Courage

Commander Michael Bowers, former officer in charge of BHC Everett, emphasized the importance of Ray’s legacy. “His sacrifice is an inspiration to all of us working here, and a reminder of what it took, and what it continues to take, to maintain the freedoms we enjoy each day.”

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class David R. Ray, who would have been 81 years vintage in 2026, remains a symbol of courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to the care of his fellow service members. His story continues to inspire generations of Navy hospital corpsmen.