I was named after Ray Gonzales by my father who was his best friend. My father has passed on, and I would like to try to find out any information I can about Ray. My dad never found out if Ray got into the water or not. I tried e-mailing the few people who had accounts about a year ago but nobody remembered him. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you for your service, yours was the greatest generation.
niebo said
May 19, 2008
Hi Ray,
I can surely understand your reasons for wanting to find out more about Ray A. Gonzales. Did you say that you do not know if he had gone down with the ship? Have you yourself been in touch with any of the USS Indy survivors?
Jakub
Ray Smith said
May 19, 2008
My dad did not know if he got into the water or not. So far I have no information. My dad tried to get transfered to the Indy. but was unsuccessful. I know it is a long shot now but I thought I would try to find out anything I could. I think there is a possibility he had a nephew named after him also. I live in Baton Rouge where Ray and my dad were from. My dad joined when he was 16, his dad lied for him. I have some of his papers and the age on them is one year older than his real age. I guess times were different then.
I can surely understand your reasons for wanting to find out more about Ray A. Gonzales. Did you say that you do not know if he had gone down with the ship? Have you yourself been in touch with any of the USS Indy survivors?
Jakub