Posted by XXXXXXXX on April 23, 2008:

Raymond Cameron Drury NO. 16506 CLASS OF 1948 KHXED IN ACTION, APRIL 12, 1951, NEAR CHALLI-NI, KOREA AGED 25 YEARS RAT will always remain one of the outstanding examples of what a graduate of West Point should be, both in the minds of all who knew him and also those who have heard about him from persons fortunate enough to have been among his many friends. His class and the Academy are better for his being a part of each. Ray was born on 5 January 1926, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Raymond C. Drury. He attended Horace Mann Grammar School in that city. He also attended, for three summers, the very fine military school of Culver, located in northern Indiana. Ray displayed his scholastic and athletic abilities even prior to entering West Point — while attending Oak Park High School. Baseball and football letters soon were awarded him for his success in these sports. In addition, Ray was gifted with high intelligence and innate qualities of leadership. These attributes aided him in winning the offices of vice-president of his student council and of the local Hi-Y Club — simultaneously. He added to these accomplishments as he progressed toward graduation and served as vice president of his Senior Class — culminating a brilliant career. After a year in the Marine Corps Reserve he entered West Point in 1944. While some of his classmates found adjustment to Academy life difficult, Ray was well prepared to fit smoothly into all phases of the military routine. Academically he found himself always near the top of his class. Hence, four years after his entrance, he was able to select the Corps of Engineers as his branch, although the number of spaces in that branch allotted to his class was small. Athletically, Ray found himself playing on the great Army teams of 1944-45-46 and 47. Week after week he opened the way for Blanchard, and held the opposing teams so Tucker could complete another pass. He was playing on the "A" squad when the "Big Rabble" earned its present nickname of the "Black Knights". By graduation his collection of Navy Stars, letters, monograms, and numerals gave visual confirmation to the great part he played in West Point athletics. Fort Riley was his first assignment as an officer. Again he displayed all the attributes of a superior officer. His company was much sought after on social occasions, his presence completing any gathering. From Fort Riley he went to Fort Belvoir, meeting with equal success at that post. Ray was assigned overseas to the 24th Division in Japan in the summer of 1949. His tour appeared to be one of rewarding service in pleasant surroundings. But, on 25 June 1950, South Korea was invaded and his division was soon moved to the defense of that nation. He was awarded the Bronze Star within a month after landing on the peninsula. The citation says in part: "His outstanding ability and devotion to duty were an inspiration to his men." The award was applauded by all who knew him. While in Japan he married Marie Pappas, a teacher in the Dependent's School Detachment there, having met her first in 1949. The wedding took place at the American Consulate in Kobe on 14 June 1950. Ray returned to Japan in December 1950 to recuperate from an illness contracted in Korea, but soon returned to duty with his unit in combat. He was killed near Challi-Ni on 12 April 1951, while commanding A Company, 3rd Engineer Combat Battalion, 24th Infantry Division. Ray's battalion commander echoed the citation he received with the Bronze Star saying in a letter to Ray's wife: "I considered him one of the most outstanding young officers with whom I have had the privilege to serve." The outlook Ray had toward life and his fellow man was a truly Christian one. His regard for the Military Academy was of the highest order. He displayed always the qualities of an outstanding leader of men. It is difficult to express in words why Ray was so successful in his relationships with others. However, if all followed his example the world would be a far better place in which to live. One of the greatest tributes paid Ray was by one who never met him — who said: "Ray must have been a wonderful person. I've never met an individual who knew Ray that didn't like him."

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