James Edwin Ray

James Edwin Ray
File:JamesERay.jpg James Edwin Ray, U.S. Air Force
Born	(1941-08-25) August 25, 1941 Longview, Texas
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch	United States Air Force
Service years	1964–1990
Rank	Colonel
Unit	469th Tactical Fighter Squadron
Conflicts	Vietnam War
Awards	Silver Star Legion of Merit Purple Heart Prisoner of War Medal

James Edwin Ray (born August 25, 1941) was a United States Air Force officer and fighter pilot. He was awarded the Silver Star for his selflessness and courage in the face of great danger.

Biography

James E. Ray graduated from Texas A&M University in 1964. For two years, he flew F-105 fighter bombers in the U.S. Air Force. On his 11th combat mission, on May 8, 1966, Ray had to eject over North Vietnam and was immediately captured. He was decorated for his resistance to his captors and developing techniques for his fellow prisoners to resist his captors. He was not released until February 12, 1973.

Awards and decorations

File:COMMAND PILOT WINGS.png

US Air Force Command Pilot Badge

File:Silver Star ribbon.svg	Silver Star
Bronze oak leaf cluster Width-44 crimson ribbon with a pair of width-2 white stripes on the edges	Legion of Merit with bronze oak leaf cluster
V Bronze oak leaf cluster Width-44 scarlet ribbon with width-4 ultramarine blue stripe at center, surrounded by width-1 white stripes. Width-1 white stripes are at the edges.	Bronze Star Medal with Valor device and bronze oak leaf cluster
Bronze oak leaf cluster Width-44 purple ribbon with width-4 white stripes on the borders	Purple Heart with bronze oak leaf cluster
File:Defense Meritorious Service ribbon.svg	Defense Meritorious Service Medal
Width-44 crimson ribbon with two width-8 white stripes at distance 4 from the edges.	Meritorious Service Medal
File:Air Medal ribbon.svg	Air Medal
Bronze oak leaf cluster File:Outstanding Unit ribbon.svg	Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with bronze oak leaf cluster
File:Prisoner of War ribbon.svg	Prisoner of War Medal
Width=44 scarlet ribbon with a central width-4 golden yellow stripe, flanked by pairs of width-1 scarlet, white, Old Glory blue, and white stripes	National Defense Service Medal
Silver star Bronze star Bronze star Bronze star File:Vietnam Service Ribbon.svg	Vietnam Service Medal with silver and three bronze service stars
Silver oak leaf cluster Bronze oak leaf cluster File:Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon.svg	Air Force Overseas Short Tour Service Ribbon with silver and bronze oak leaf clusters
File:U.S. Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon.svg	Air Force Overseas Long Tour Service Ribbon
Silver oak leaf cluster File:Air Force Longevity Service ribbon.svg	Air Force Longevity Service Award with silver oak leaf cluster
File:USAF Marksmanship ribbon.svg	Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
File:Air Force Training Ribbon.svg	Air Force Training Ribbon
File:Tong-il Security Medal Ribbon.svg	Order of National Security Merit, Tong-il Medal
File:Vietnam-gallantry-cross-unit-3d.png	Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Award
File:Vietnam Campaign Medal ribbon with 60- clasp.svg	Vietnam Campaign Medal

External links

• POW Network entry