John Raby – Rear Admiral, United States Navy

RABY, JOHN

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to John Raby, Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron NINE (VF-9), attached to the U.S.S. RANGER (CV-4), during the occupation of French Morocco, from 8 to 11 November 1942.

Leading a flight of eight planes into combat against sixteen hostile fighters, Lieutenant Commander Raby persistently striking at the foe until he himself shot down two planes, contributed materially to the aggressive fighting spirit which enabled his command to destroy a total of five enemy aircraft and probably two more.

On previous and subsequent raids, pressed home under relentless fire, he led his squadron in effective bombing and strafing attacks against hostile airdromes, shore batteries, machine-gun nests, and flying and grounded aircraft. His outstanding courage and determined skill were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Born: November 1, 1907 at Palo Alto, California
Home Town: Pensacola, Florida

NOTE: Admiral Raby was the son of James Joseph Raby, Rear Admiral, United States Navy, and they are buried in the same section at Arlington National Cemetery.

RABY, JOHN
R/ADM US NAVY

• DATE OF BIRTH: 11/01/1907
• DATE OF DEATH: 02/19/1967
• BURIED AT: SECTION 6  SITE 9109-K
  ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Michael Robert Patterson

Michael Robert Patterson was born in Arlington and is the son of a former officer of the US Army. So it was no wonder that sooner or later his interests drew him to American history and especially to American military history. Many of his articles can be found on renowned portals like the New York Times, Washingtonpost or Wikipedia.

Reviewed by: Michael Howard