Waverly W. Wray

Waverly Wright Wray (September 27, 1919 – September 21, 1944) was an American soldier who was killed in action during World War II. A paratrooper, he fought in Italy and France, including Operation Overlord, during which he served as the de facto commander of his company after his was injured. He killed more than a dozen soldiers.

Early life and military training Wray was born on September 27, 1919, in Batesville, Missouri, Raised in Tocowa, Mississippi, he hunted throughout his childhood, and originally planned to pursue a career in either logging or ministry. He was well-liked by his regiment and was nicknamed "Deacon", being a devout Baptist. He otherwise went by "Charlie", which was how he introduced himself. As a Baptist, he refrained from alcohol and nicotine, avoided using profanity, carried a Bible at all times, and donated half of his pay to the construction of a church in his hometown. Instead of profanity, he used the minced oaths "dad-burn" It was believed that he enlisted as part of his service to God.

Operation Overlord Wray fought in the Operation Overlord landing on June 7, 1944, He broke his leg from the jump. After sustaining an injury and running out of ammunition, he crawled back to his company. Wray led the company to a position in a nearby forest, and alone reconnoitered the position of German troops. He discovered eight Germans huddled around a radio; he ordered them to put their hands up, then shot one—who instead tried to draw his pistol—between the eyes. Wray was fired upon by two soldiers in a trench; a bullet ricochet struck his right ear and helmet strap, which might have killed him if it had been a quarter inch (0.6 cm) closer. He died on September 21, 1944, aged 24,

Wray was described as a fierce fighter, having "an air of near invincibility around him". Vandervoort called him the "World War II equivalent to Alvin York", with Vandervoort nominating him for a posthumous Medal of Honor, which was lowered to a Distinguished Service Cross, awarded on June 7, 1944. Vandervoort sent the newspaper of Wray's hometown, The Batesville Panolian, some of his writings while serving.