Virgil Gaston Ray
Lieutenant Virgil G. Ray was a Marine Corps fighter pilot who flew with VMF-214.
He was lost in a storm in the Solomon Islands on 13 October 1943.
Branch
Marine Corps Regular
Service Number O-22078
Current Status
Remains Not Recovered
Pursuit Category
The DPAA has not publicized this information.
History
Virgil Ray was born in Hallsboro, North Carolina on 14 May 1921. He was the oldest son of Gaston and Bernice Ray and grew up in the small town of Bogue, where his father worked as a dry goods salesman.
Virgil attended North Carolina State University for a year and a half, studying aeronautical engineering. He left school during his sophomore year to enlist in the Marine Corps.
Virgil Ray enlisted on 9 July 1940 and immediately after boot camp was assigned to Base Air Detachment One at Quantico, Virginia. He served there as a clerk until the war broke out, then applied for flight training. After training at Pensacola, Virgil won his wings and was appointed an enlisted pilot – commonly known as a “flying sergeant.”
Ray was assigned to duty in California for several months in 1942, then deployed overseas to the Solomon Islands. As a master technical sergeant, he flew his first combat tour with VMF-122. He was commissioned in the field on 19 May 1943, and accepted the rank of second lieutenant.
Lieutenant Ray also flew with VMF-112, with whom he scored one probable kill in June of 1943. On an 18 July mission to Kahili, his plane was badly shot up and Ray fought to keep it aloft until he could reach a friendly airfield. The engine and hydraulics died at the last moment, and Ray managed a “dead stick” landing. The plane was totaled, and Ray was treated for shock.
On 7 September 1943, VMF-214 was activated with Lieutenant Ray as one of its founding members. He flew missions as a Black Sheep over the Russell Islands and Munda. However, his near-death experience left Ray unable to handle combat. He admitted his feelings to his skipper, and “Pappy” Boyington quietly rotated Ray into a non-combat role.
On 16 October 1943, Lieutenant Ray was dispatched on a mail run and departed from Munda airfield at 1100 hours. His flight path encompassed the Russell Islands and Guadalcanal, and he was expected back by 1630.
Virgil Ray never returned to Munda, and no trace of his Corsair (F4U-1 17679) was ever seen again. Heavy storms were reported along his flight path, and it was presumed that he was forced down by the weather.
Ray was declared dead on 14 October 1944, and received a posthumous promotion to the rank of first lieutenant.
Decorations
Air Medal
For meritorious participation in aerial combat over Ballale, 16 September 1943.
Purple Heart
For injuries resulting in his death while in a combat zone.
Next Of Kin Address
Address of mother, Mrs. Bernice Q. Ray
Location Of Loss
Lieutenant Ray was last seen departing from Munda airfield at 1100 hours, making a circuit between the Russell Islands and Guadalcanal.
