Navy Cross CitationThe President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class James Edwin Berray (MCSN: 340536), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a member of the Marine Guard Detachment aboard the U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38) during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 - 13 November, 1942. Although mortally wounded and suffering intense pain, Private First Class Berray, with sturdy endurance and utter disregard for his own personal safety, refused to submit to first aid treatment so that it might be given to others. By his undaunted courage and grim determination to carry on at a time when death was imminent and inevitable, he inspired his fellow men with an aggressive fighting spirit which contributed in a large measure to the victory achieved by our forces in this notable engagement. He gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.
Navy Cross CitationThe President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Private First Class James Edwin Berray (MCSN: 340536), United States Marine Corps, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty while serving as a member of the Marine Guard Detachment aboard the U.S.S. SAN FRANCISCO (CA-38) during an engagement with Japanese naval forces near Savo Island on the night of 12 - 13 November, 1942. Although mortally wounded and suffering intense pain, Private First Class Berray, with sturdy endurance and utter disregard for his own personal safety, refused to submit to first aid treatment so that it might be given to others. By his undaunted courage and grim determination to carry on at a time when death was imminent and inevitable, he inspired his fellow men with an aggressive fighting spirit which contributed in a large measure to the victory achieved by our forces in this notable engagement. He gallantly gave up his life in the service of his country.
Inscription
In Memory of Jimmy Berray. Buried at Sea 11-14-1942
Gravesite Details
Memorial erected by his boyhood friend, Curtis Bernstein
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
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