Briefing Document: George Washington Ray III

Subject: Biographical Information and Military Service of George Washington Ray III

Date: October 26, 2023

Summary: This document outlines the life of George Washington Ray III, focusing on his upbringing in Texas, his enlistment and service in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, and his ultimate death in action.

Key Themes and Facts:

Early Life and Family:

George Washington Ray III was born on June 30, 1920, near Talpa, Coleman County, Texas.

His parents were Ara Telitha Chafin and George Washington Ray Jr.

He had at least four sisters.

His father died in 1930 when George III was about 10 years old.

Texas Roots and Rural Life:

Ray's early life was centered in rural Texas, specifically in Runnels County near Talpa.

The 1930 and 1940 census records show he lived in Justice Precinct 1 (JP1) of Runnels County with his family.

In 1940, at age 19, he was working as a farmer on his mother's farm.

Military Enlistment:

Ray registered for the draft on July 1, 1941, in Runnels County, Texas, while living 8 miles northwest of Talpa.

He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on October 26, 1942, in Dallas, Texas. He was a single white male born in Texas.

He was a private, his service number was 475268.

His mother, Mrs. Telitha Ray, was listed as his next of kin.

The document specifically states he enlisted "from civilian life."

Military Service and Deployment:

He trained at the Marine Base in San Diego, California.

He was assigned to E Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force.

The 6th Marines joined the 2nd Marine Division in San Diego before being sent to the South Pacific.

He served in the Pacific theater, deploying in June 1943.

The 6th Marines saw action at Guadalcanal, then later in the capture of the Gilbert Islands.

His unit participated in the Tarawa Atoll operation, where his 2nd Battalion acted as a blocking force.

Operation Forager and Death:

Ray was involved in the Marianas Islands campaign, particularly the battle of Saipan.

He landed at Saipan's "Red Beach" on June 15, 1944. The landing is described as “the most difficult storm landing in regimental history.”

Pfc George W. Ray was killed in action on June 17, 1944, during the Saipan operation.

Burial and Repatriation:

Ray was initially buried in a temporary grave in the Marianas Islands.

In 1949, his remains were repatriated to America.

He was reinterred in the Coleman City Cemetery in Coleman, Coleman County, Texas, on April 10, 1949.

Key Quotes:

“George W. Ray msn-475268 a single white male born Texas in 1920 residing in Runnels County, Texas working a farm enlisted from civilian life into the US Marine Corps as a private at Dallas, Texas on 26 October 1942…”

“This was the most difficult storm landing in regimental history, and Pfc Ray was killed in action after the landing 17 June 1944.”

Conclusion:

George Washington Ray III's life is a poignant example of a young Texan farmer who transitioned from civilian life to military service during World War II. His participation in intense combat operations in the Pacific culminated in his tragic death during the battle of Saipan. His story reflects the sacrifices made by many Americans during that period and highlights the impact of the war on families back home. His remains were eventually returned home and given a final resting place in his home state.