Desert Storm MARINE HERO on Navy Cross COMBAT Action | Eddie Ray

Born in Southern Los Angeles, Ray joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1977. He earned his bachelor’s degree while serving as enlisted artilleryman, and joined the reserves as an officer. After Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, Ray led his Light Infantry Vehicle company overseas, joining the international coalition defending Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Shield.
On February 24, 1991 Allied forces launched Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait. One day into the operation, then-Captain Ray received word that his division’s command post was threatened by a large force of Iraqi armored vehicles. Ray ordered his vastly-outnumbered force to charge the oncoming Iraqi brigade.
At the end of the battle, Ray’s unit had captured more than 250 enemy soldiers and destroyed over fifty enemy vehicles. His leadership and courage earned him the Navy Cross, one of only two awarded during that war.
Interview recorded on November 4, 2016
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Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Editor - Daniel Taksas

[@thehistoryvideogameandgame4730]

His Navy Cross citation reads “The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Eddie S. Ray, United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Commanding Officer, Company B, First Light Armored Infantry Battalion, Task Force Shepherd, FIRST Marine Division, in the Emirate of Kuwait on 25 February 1991. During the early morning hours of G+1 of Operation Desert Storm, an Iraqi mechanized division counter-attacked elements of the FIRST Marine Division in the vicinity west of the flame and smoke engulfed Burgan Oil Fields in Southeastern Kuwait. As dense black smoke shrouded the battlefield, an Iraqi mechanized brigade engaged the FIRST Marine Division Forward Command Post security forces. During the ensuing intense ten hour battle, Captain Ray repeatedly maneuvered his Light Armored Vehicle Company in harm's way, skillfully integrating his Light Armored Infantry weapons, reinforcing TOW's, and AH-1W Attack Helicopters to decisively defeat main Iraqi counter-attacks. Leading from the front and constantly exposed to large volumes of enemy fire, Captain Ray led swift, violent attacks directly into the face of the vastly larger enemy force. These attacks shocked the enemy, destroyed 50 enemy Armored Personnel Carriers, and resulted in the capture of over 250 Iraqi soldiers. Operating perilously close to the attacking enemy, Captain Ray's courage, composure under fire, and aggressive war fighting spirit were instrumental in the defeat of a major enemy effort and the successful defense of the Division Forward Command Post. By his outstanding display of decisive leadership, unlimited courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and utmost devotion to duty, Captain Ray reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”

[@AnarchistFun101]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@hawkgrunt4182]

Semper Fi, sir!

[@user-jl7wn5nn7p]

Bob13. Approved

[@mrsmartypants_1]

Damn that’s beyond impressive. Thanks for posting.

[@christophermusangi5111]

God Jesus Abraham and Lazarus!!! Good Lawd! An operative. He should be a damn General.

[@brewted]

If your men fear you they will follow orders, If your men respect you they will follow you into battle, if your men love you like a brother they will will follow you to the gates of hell. Semper Fi Col.

[@aristophanes9438]

Col. Ray epitomizes the very reason the Germans called us Teufelhunden(Devil Dogs) in World War l @ the Battle Of Belleau Woods. Esprit de Corps

[@williamclement1408]

During a day of insanity, March 23 2003, I saw this man be a rock of leadership. He waded into our COC like the badass gunslinger he was. Point blank body armor undone, and a cigar firmly in the side of his mouth, he instilled a sense of calm in all of us cherries because he had already been there, done that which in 2003 was a rarity. Lost 1 Amtrac to an A 10, 1 to rpg's. He got our head back in the fight and for the next 10 days, we unleashed hell. Great interview and Semper Fi!

[@j.seanmeyers674]

I picture that!

[@SeekanDestroy03]

That's awesome🤙

[@travist2844]

That was bad for all Marines. I'm glad you had that leadership. I was sent to provide over watch while the amtrak was removed. We took it back to camp fox in kuwait. I will never forget this incident. I still have a picture of the amtrak. Take care, Semper Fi !

[@hatfieldmccoy0311]

I was 1/2 Charlie Co. March 23 2003 I will never forget

[@72marshflower15]

No honor in seeking weaker opponents.

[@Delta2white4]

Colonel Ray was my battalion commander in 2003, 2d Light Armored Reconnaissance Bn, 2d Mar Div. Outstanding leader!

[@waltdyer0302]

We’re you with Task Force Tarawa?

[@rayw.cunningham8643]

Listening to how he trained his company of LAV’s speaks of the type of leader he is. He mentions that he listen to what his company had to say. Having served for over 25 years in the Army it speaks volumes of his caliber of a leader. I totally agree with you the COL. Ray is an outstanding leader. Not many leaders listen to what those with experience have to say. COL. Ray is one of those rare leaders that you do not see anymore.

[@j.seanmeyers674]

I was on the 1stMarDiv staff during OIF I and one of its subordinate units was Col Ray. Enjoyed his leadership and his staff, where we shared tent space.

[@user-xn6mn7od2l]

I had the honor of driving and RTO for Colonel Ray for a few months when he was a Coyote at 29palms in 1995. Great man and leader.

[@thehistoryvideogameandgame4730]

Well he didn’t stray too far away from what he knew, He commanded Company B from the formerly named First Light Armored Infantry Battalion during the Gulf War, According to the Citation of his Navy Cross

[@a.s.clifton544]

This man wears the ONLY Navy Cross awarded to the ground element for Desert Storm. I don’t know why Colonel Ray retired, but I fear my Beloved Corps might pay for not putting stars on this Marine.

[@usmcvet0313]

Our military doesn't want Ulysses Grants, George Pattons, or Chesty Pullers anymore. They much prefer George McClellan types, they're much better at cocktail parties.

[@vwalsh63]

I think Lewis Puller was the last of the actual tough guys, combat Marines to reach flag rank. The clerks and guys who make up their own "mad dog" nicknames. Those guys get stars and jobs at Raytheon. Colonel Hackworth was retired as O-6 Colonel. Colin Powell was the CJCS That's politics not merit.

[@denno3124]

Both Hack and Powell went to Vietnam more than once...by choice. Your assessment needs some more thought.

[@jonhogan6730]

Great man. He was my battalion commander at 2nd LAR

[@JustinTrudeau-up7jz]

He was enlisted first. The highest you can achieve as a mustang ( enlisted to officer) is Colonel.

[@reddiver7293]

"My Marines." I'm a grateful civilian. I don't know why that phrase gives me goosebumps. What an honor and what a fearsome responsibility those words represent. Thank you,sir, and your fellow Marinesfor your service.

[@gregriddle3042]

Same here ! When he said “My Marines” I could already tell this guy was in it to own it! What an incredible American and Marine!

[@williamdyes5973]

I served with Eddie Ray 1st 8" how battery 29 palms 1978-79 good man

[@Creatorfragments]

Hoorah

[@patfontaine5917]

Swamp Thing!!!!!! I love this Marine. We served together in 3d LAI B n in the Gulf War. I recall running a recon trip around our AOR and at a gas station, we found a vehicle with suspicious occupants. I on one side, Eddie on the other and we’re talking to each other… ‘if you take the guy on the right, I’ll take the guy on the left.’ After his action in the salt pines, for which he won the Navy Cross, he comes over to our position and asks, ‘hey, do you have any coffee?’

[@ddawe31635]

My Marine husband served during Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia. ❤

[@RemoWilliams1227]

❤

[@nsudatta-roy8154]

What was his job, in Saudi Arabia?

[@KenjiMapes]

This dude is a badass. He looks the part. He totally looks like a salty, grizzled & tough-as-nails soldier with a “Get-Er-Done” attitude & no nonsense persona.

[@anjpadilla003]

Sadly not everyone appreciates that...I'm a Gulf War Marine vet, my HR department told me I needed to work on my look, that it was intimidating. I didn't yell at people, I always treated people justly, held people accountable and gave everyone their praise as deserved. 🤷‍♂️..I do real estate now, my own boss and clients love a vet on their side. The world is going crazy in the work force

[@KenjiMapes]

@@anjpadilla003 It’s a shame There needs to better protections & more awareness raised to this area. I was way too young for the Gulf War but went in before Iraq/Afghanistan. My enlistment ended during war time but luckily wasn’t called back. Best of luck😉👍

[@richardannaken]

Served with the Colonel when he was a Captain. He was my company commander at Range Company Weapons Training Battalion Parris Island SC

[@aagreen59]

My Company Commander at Weapons Training Bn, Parris Island too, shortly before the Gulf War.

[@richardannaken]

@@aagreen59 I was the NCOIC for A Range when we developed it for the BWT weapons program.

[@aaronnoffsinger5922]

We should be telling these men woman's stories to our youth in public schools. Our nation needs leaders like them!

[@thankfullyredeemedmaderigh7436]

Yessss. And weapons training and handling.

[@OneFedUpMF]

@@thankfullyredeemedmaderigh7436I’ll let y’all know I’m 19 and I’m watching this proudly, I also know my way around most small arms weapon systems

[@samanthal4600]

This man is a war hero to be honored for his bravery and leadership in Desert Storm!!

[@malcolmr3]

This is a great example of what any man, not just a marine, should strive to be. He’s also the perfect example of what every officer should be. This folks is a MAN! May God bless ALL of our men and women in uniform and protect them. 🙏✝️

[@leroymorris6036]

The military service has a way of sobering young men up, and helping us figure out what we really want to do. I didnt do anything special, but it helped me figure some stuff out.

[@rustybaldwin4851]

Yes Leroy kinda the same story here !

[@Faronthefiddler]

Same here, Leroy.

[@SlowRollRY]

Same.

[@ticket2space]

Is it what you want to do? Or is it more of "I guess I don't mind doing this. Otherwise I'd have nothing going on anyway"

[@warwarneverchanges4937]

Coming from a country that had mandatory conscription, then paused it for 2 generations and now have a brand new force again, those 2 generations of men really struggle they "break" like old men in their 20´s and 30´s

[@danam0228]

Loved listening to this guy. Great finish to interview, "the Marines never let me down"

[@lewiserwin2686]

As Marines we witness stories like this all the time, but your attention level, and your attention to detail, paints the picture just like we were there

[@ironhorse8573]

I've got to meet a man Named Emmit Hall who served in desert Storm as well. He was a loader in a tank battalion. He was a great human being. Unfortunately, he just passed away recently. I got nothing for respect for these gentlemen.

[@electrichellion5946]

*but

[@leroymorris6036]

Mr. Ray has a great story, very proud of men like him. God bless him and his family.

[@yadaben-yisrael8703]

Colonel!!!!!!

[@chocolatefrenzieya]

I'm sure it DID set a mood! They were like, "Cpt is a stone cold bad ass!"

[@NAFOARMY]

I watched his work almost live in 1991 on CNN. I was in the 7th grade I believe. He became a Marine 1 year before I was born. The work of these men influenced my decisions later in life. I went on to enlist in the USN in 1999. These men were Kings on the battlefield.

[@thomaswebb9244]

I love the way he talks about his Marines and how they did the task with his intent. He was just there as far as he's concerned. I enjoyed serving under men like this

[@i_smoke_ghosts]

Oorah respectfully from new zealand 🇳🇿 Legendary sir 🫡

[@joehayward2631]

Its funny how all recruits first time on the yellow foot prints have the same thought, WTF am i doing here. Thank you my fellow Marine Brother. Artillery, F#@K IT IF CANT TRUCK IT. GUN BUNNIES, king of battle

[@keithjones2214]

Swamp Thang! We love ya Col Ray

[@99Racker]

The word "My" is inclusive but appropriate in the Corps. Semper Fi Colonel. Great example of why we train. Well done.

[@jeffshriber6120]

Truly Mr Ray, is clearly an officer and a gentelmen, i think the reason why your marines always had your back was mote then the fact that you were a leader by example, but that you were loved by your marines. Thats the way it should be always.

[@joshlaubach8166]

Semper Fi from another Desert Storm vet 1987-1991 oohraah! Also both my son’s just enlisted heading to Paris Island together the finest in brotherly love if I might say.

[@curtisake7431]

I served with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines (3/6) during the Gulf War. Semper Fi brother!!!

[@jbman413]

His final sentence is awesome! :)

[@Delatta1961]

Now here’s an example of a true American flag waving patriot. I was an Army Aviator during the war, but I would have liked to have met this amazing Marine. There should have been a documentary about this event, because it deserves to be shared.

[@thankfullyredeemedmaderigh7436]

I truly hope its not too late.

[@fnln3181]

An incredible American.

[@willeypoboy5607]

Thank you Sir . DESERT SHIELD. DESERT STORM. DESERT SABRE...WE LIBERATED A COUNTRY FASTER THAN ANY IN HISTORY. OUTSTANDING!

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you for serving our country ❤🇺🇸 God Bless you 🇺🇸

[@spaceburger80]

Thank you, Colonel Ray. God bless the USMC and the USA.

[@ericdcbrown1980]

He was my protective force director in his post-career as a civilian. The other directors were threatened by the real deal imo. He's a great guy.

[@PeterPanMan]

Great, great interview. Every American who's never worn the uniform should watch this. This is the Marine Corps I remember. Semper Fi.

[@mylesdavis7036]

This “man” is what all men should aspire to be Thank you……..

[@paulinehollis0407]

Very lovely story Cousin Eddie. You are truly amazing and thank you for your years of service. Love you.

[@thomaswilson3093]

One, Two, Three, Four I love Marine Corps 😎👍🏾

[@hintoflimetostitochip7978]

Thank you to all the men and servicewomen who have put their asses on the line for this country. We are eternally grateful for your sacrifice. I’m glad you guys are still making these. God bless ❤

[@apsuaha]

Thank you for your service Sir

[@0nly1kdd]

my boss is a Air Force desert storm vet. When he hired me I told him welcome home & thanked him for his service. Sometimes he’ll have his moments but also remember what he went through.

[@kirilattaf5621]

What’d he do in the Air Force? Sit around on his ass? 🤣

[@oldiebutgoodie2554]

@@kirilattaf5621Rude!

[@ChevyBoyCallofDuty]

🙏🏻🇺🇸🦅 Thank you for your service!

[@joelpierce3940]

Sir, I thank you for your service, bravery, and Patriotism. You are a great leader.

[@sherryblanton2029]

There’s nothing I can say but, What A Man! Sir, you have to be Legendary❣️

[@Glen.Danielsen]

This is why I love this channel. It’s mana to me.

[@larryhudlemeyer2617]

Thank you for standing the watch, sir! And....thank you for being a leader, head and shoulders above others!

[@Trapper_Creek_2024]

Thank you for your service, your leadership, and your bravery, sir.

[@annihull6373]

Thank you for sharing this story. Thank you, Sir for your service to our country,

[@gregorymceaddy8884]

Thanks Boss Man for being a true American...we never want war, however when it presents itself you must act decisevly with extreme prejudice... never piss off a marine or you will experience their training

[@zepfanforever6502]

Sometimes a second in command will insist on being the one that goes instead. We can't lose our commanding officer. Very happy he is ok.. Proud 🥲 of his service he is why we are the best in the world.

[@simonmarsden66]

Train hard, fight easy

[@sbagwell98]

I Love that, as a radio operator comm actually worked, training kicked in, And, Marines Never Let You Down! Semper Fi

[@miganhawkins8390]

There are men, and then, there are legends. What a badass legend. W.I.A OIF5 02/13/07 Army

[@andyguajardo4785]

Semper Fi sir! I was also out there in the desert. Thank you for your service. Ooohrah!

[@guillermojacques6671]

God speed and God bless Colonel.

[@noname2-190]

Its so weird hearing of a desert storm vet and seeing a guy his age it makes me feel downright elderly

[@lifeisgood5698]

I didn't serve, but I have the utmost respect for these brothers, risking their lives. I can honestly say you all are some bad mofos. You all were absolutely built for this, and I don't believe they make humans like this anymore.. you all are special, and I pray that you all get what's needed for you to make your lives easier. You all deserve the best.. Thank you for everything 👊🏿

[@craigstarling4704]

Thank you for your service Sir.

[@ronniehdable]

What a leader this man is. Thank you sir.

[@Lee69111]

A Warrior!!...Thank you sir for keeping us safe! :)

[@borod5571]

I serve with Col. Ray on my 1st tour of duty back in the 80's . '' Task Force Ripper Here''

[@electrichellion5946]

80’s or 90’s? Task force Ripper was in the 1990-91.

[@darleneaycock9810]

Semper FI my Brother .

[@davidca96]

Thank You for your service Colonel Ray

[@fernandoalegria4240]

Semper Fi Marine. A job well done. Glad to see you are still alive. Medal of Honor and Navy Cross winners are usually awarded posthumously.

[@jackolantern404]

Thank you for your service and sacrifices.

[@capt.stubing5604]

Many thanks to all the marines in this conversation and especially to Colonel Ray. We are incredibly lucky to have you all serve this country.

[@jamesspears2635]

Thank you Sir, and all veterans for your service to our great nation ! And welcome home !

[@dotesondots]

Sir, I salute you. Thank you for your service. I enjoyed hearing your story so much. God Bless and Semper Fi.

[@chrismair8161]

Thank You for your Service Sir!

[@ogearbox6132]

Col Ray glad to meet you sir! I too was born in ‘54 and joined the Corps at 18. Unfortunately as you stated at that age our heads are full of mush. I was offered all expenses paid at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and turned it down. Why, I too was in shock when I got off that bus. However, once I got my head on straight I wished I had taken the opprty. Nevertheless I did my job and someone thought to put me into Hdqtrs Marine Corps the Pentagon and Marine One as an NCO. Never saw combat but got to rub shoulders with real Marines like Col. Ray. Both Chesty Puller and Pappy Boyington would have approved of the Col. actions. Semper Fi.

[@Joellikestobox]

Thank you for your service

[@BDaniels1959]

I first remember Eddie Ray as "Candidate " Ray. He was an Officer Candidate in my OCS Platoon in 1982 then as a 2nd Lt at TBS in 1983. I remember a run we were on that included obstacles. One of these obstacles was a high wall several miles into the run that we had to get over in full gear including back pack. Eddie was a BIG dude. Looked like a freaking Body Builder. When he got to the wall he sat down on top of the wall and reached down to several of the height challenged Candidates and literally picked them up and heaved them over the wall. He got yelled at by the DI's but he had already helped 4 or 5 past that obstacle Near the end of the run Eddie was flagging behind a bit because he had worked his ass off helping others get thru. I then watched a group of the vertically challenged candidates drop back and grab him by the web gear and dragged is ass back into the formation. DI's were screaming at the candidates to get back in formation but they didn't stop them from getting him back in too. There was no way we were going to risk this guy getting DQ'd for dropping out of one stupid run. Hell we were sure we would need him to get thru OCS. He was special even when he was just a lowly Candidate. Bob Daniels

[@mickambler3151]

Maximum respect sir ,God bless you

[@hammstah9578]

What are phenomenal interview! You could picture everything happening almost exactly like a football coach running the X's and O's on a chalkboard or watching the video with his pointer or stick showing exactly what happened in the game. Phenomenal leadership, lead from the front, lead with foresight and strategy.

[@alc27321]

That's what I thought -- his background in football sounds a lot like arraying these pieces for battle.

[@jamesa.rodriguez8598]

Thank you, Sir, and the Marines for the job they perform. I listened to your testimony. Not being in the military, I was able to comprehend your statement. The part that struck home was placing the will of God at the forefront. Amen. God bless you and those who serve in U.S. Military. Amen.

[@reddevilparatrooper]

OUTSTANDING!!!!

[@spencerlucas3065]

Thank you, for your service!!!

[@BushmasterM4A3]

Credit where credit is due, in my opinion, your interviewing skills have improved greatly over the past few years.

[@petermccuskey1832]

Outstanding interview.

[@kathleenmckenzie9500]

It is a great dedication with experience leadership in a situation most of us have never endured or come out the otherside. I watched the whole thing. Frightening. Your wits are well in the range of the higher.I of course have never been in that position.

[@NITWIT856]

Thank you for your service superhero

[@willdavis7966]

Sir, I remember this mission. Semper Fi 🇺🇸

[@Dstew57A]

What a fantastic interview..from one Husky Dog to another Thank you Sir for your service. Go Dogs…Semper Fi. Sounds like you were an incredible Leader! Wow the strategy he talks about…the years of Football strategy he’s had really did come in handy it seems…

[@user-gt2lh2ec9e]

Wow, thanks for your service sir! John P.

[@columbusseller5398]

Nice interview. Solid Man.

[@charlesdavis7940]

That’s the kind of leader enlisted Marines love. 👍

[@user-ws8td3eb1p]

God bless all you your all heroes really my prayers are with all of you

[@williambakos7274]

Im only 2 minutes in and I love this guy already!

[@BecomngAPersonLLC-vc4om]

Outstanding.

[@donadams3728]

Thank you sir, your a badass

[@williamwhitus7994]

Thanks!

[@user-iz5ue7xd4o]

God bless this hero

[@wademccormick4371]

If I ever had a kid who wanted to join the military…it’s the USMC for them. If they want me to sign b4 they’re 18. Then after they do 4 years they can join a different branch.

[@juliaashley5640]

6:36 This man is truly a bad ass, he is also a huge man, well over 6ft very broad shoulders and he talks very softly. He would smoke up the whole office with with his cigars. His Sgtmaj and XO were both named Smith, that was one awesome unit 2nd LAR BN, he lead the BN in the invasion of Iraq 2003

[@1775MarineCorps]

Semper FI Marine

[@michaeljohn8905]

This man is the real JARHEAD from that movie ! This guys a legend.

[@John.3]

Fighter Leader.

[@j7cc]

Thanks. 👌🇺🇸

[@johnsmithth3318]

Sempre Fi