David Robert Ray was born on Valentine’s Day 1945 to David and Donnie Ray here in McMinnville. He graduated from City High School and attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville on a scholarship. In 1966 he volunteered to enlist in the United States Navy. He did his training in San Diego, CA.

His first assignment was on a hospital ship, the USS Haven, and then later he served at a hospital in California. He was a medic in the Navy and helped to take care of the sick and wounded men and women. In 1968 Bobby Ray asked to serve with a Marine Unit as their medic in Vietnam where a war was going on.

Bobby Ray was a great medic and took good care of his men. There were many battles going on in Vietnam and he took good care of those who were wounded. During one very fierce battle several Marines were wounded. Bobby Ray or “Doc Ray” as he was called was taking care of his men. Shots were being fired all around and they were all in great danger. Bobby Ray had to join the battle too and fought off two enemy soldiers. He was wounded, but refused to get help himself. He knew the other men needed his help. He continued to take care of his wounded men. He ran out of ammunition but kept on going. While he was taking care of a wounded Marine he threw himself on that Marine when a grenade landed nearby. The Marine was saved, but Bobby Ray died saving the Marine’s life.

Later Bobby Ray was awarded the Medal of Honor for his great bravery. He also was awarded the Purple Heart Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. His father received the Medal of Honor for his son.

We are grateful to be a part of a school named after this great hero. The shirts we wear with the logo “Bobby Ray Stars” are an inspiration to us to be the best we can be, to be brave, courageous, and to help take care of those around us. I think Bobby Ray would be proud of how his memory is being honored here at Bobby Ray Memorial Elementary school through all of you shining stars!

The preceding biography was prepared by Mrs. Gretchen Angus, and presented at an assembly honoring Bobby Ray. Bobby Ray Assembly