Criteria The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following condi... The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the Asiatic-Pacific Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participa... The Distinguished Flying Cross may be awarded to military members who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism or outstanding achievement while participating in aerial flight. MoreHide
Comments The Pensacola News Journal edition of 2-20-44 has that Commander John Raby of Pensacola was awarded the DFC because of his raid on Marcus Island. He received his wings at Pensacola NAS in 1931. He gra... The Pensacola News Journal edition of 2-20-44 has that Commander John Raby of Pensacola was awarded the DFC because of his raid on Marcus Island. He received his wings at Pensacola NAS in 1931. He graduated from Annapolis in 1929. He was married to Marion Blount of Pensacola. He was the son of Admiral James Joseph Raby who was killed in an auto accident in 1934. Admiral Raby had been the commandant of Pensacola NAS and they were the first father-son aviation team. 1944 City Directory has no listing. 1942 City Directory has no listing. 1940 City Directory has Lt. John J. Raby, US Navy living at 250 West Moreno Street along with Mrs. James Joseph Raby. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Description
Air strikes from the carrier Wasp (CV-18).
Memories The Pensacola News Journal edition of 2-20-44 has that Commander John Raby of Pensacola was awarded The Pensacola News Journal edition of 2-20-44 has that Commander John Raby of Pensacola was awarded the DFC because of his raid on Marcus Island. He received his wings at Pensacola NAS in 1931. He graduated from Annapolis in 1929. He was married to Marion Blount of Pensacola. He was the son of Admiral James Joseph Raby who was killed in an auto accident in 1934. Admiral Raby had been the commandant of Pensacola NAS and they were the first father-son aviation team. 1944 City Directory has no listing. 1942 City Directory has no listing. 1940 City Directory has Lt. John J. Raby, US Navy living at 250 West Moreno Street along with Mrs. James Joseph Raby.... More
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander John Raby, United States 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.
Criteria The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor.... The Navy Cross may be awarded to any person who, while serving with the Navy or Marine Corps, distinguishes himself in action by extraordinary heroism not justifying an award of the Medal of Honor. MoreHide
Comments NAVY CROSS
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 ene... NAVY CROSS
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. MoreHide
Criteria The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while partic... The Air Medal may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service while participating in aerial flight, but not of a degree that would justify an award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. MoreHide
Criteria The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in th... The Combat Action Ribbon is a personal decoration awarded to members of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard (when operating under the control of the Navy) in the grade of captain (or colonel in the Marine Corps) and below who have actively participated in ground or surface combat. MoreHide
Criteria The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, ... The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal was awarded for for qualifying service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946, under any of the following conditions: On permanent assignment within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater; or, For service in a passenger status or on temporary duty status for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service in active combat in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater of Operations against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat. MoreHide
Chain of Command
Lieut. John Raby (USNA 1929) was the first XO of the Fighting Eight's. He earned his wings in 1931 and went to fighters (VF-3B) for three yers of seasoning on board the old Langley. Subsequently he served two separate tours instructing fledgling pilots at NAS Pensacola, the last just before being ordered to Fight Eight (VF-8). Raby was a highly experienced, outstanding air leader, but circumstances decreed that he leave VF-8 for his own command before the Hornet headed out to the Pacific.
Other Memories
Plank Owner on the USS Hornet CV-8. Raby was a highly experienced, outstanding air leader, but circumstances decreed that he leave VF-8 for his own command before the Hornet headed out to the Pacific.
Chain of Command
Lieut. John Raby (USNA 1929) was the first XO of the Fighting Eight's. He earned his wings in 1931 and went to fighters (VF-3B) for three yers of seasoning on board the old Langley. Subsequently he served two separate tours instructing fledgling pilots at NAS Pensacola, the last just before being ordered to Fight Eight (VF-8). Raby was a highly experienced, outstanding air leader, but circumstances decreed that he leave VF-8 for his own command before the Hornet headed out to the Pacific.
Criteria The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or,... The American Campaign Medal was awarded for For thirty days service outside the Continental United States but within the American Theater of Operations between December 7, 1941, and March 2, 1946; or, an aggregate service of one year within the Continental United States during the same period under the following circumstances: On permanent assignment outside the continental limits of the United States; or, On permanent assignment as a member of a crew of a vessel sailing ocean waters for a period of 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecutive days; or, For service outside the continental limits of the United States in a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 non consecutive days; or, For service in active combat against the enemy and awarded a combat decoration or furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or independent force that the individual actually participated in combat; or, For service within the continental limits of the United States for an aggregate period of one year. MoreHide
Criteria The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine ... The American Defense Service Medal was awarded for service in the Armed Forces between September 8, 1939, and December 7, 1941. Army members had to serve 12 months to be eligible, but Navy and Marine Corps members were eligible based on any length of service. MoreHide
Chain of Command
Lieut. John Raby (USNA 1929) was the first XO of the Fighting Eight's. He earned his wings in 1931 and went to fighters (VF-3B) for three yers of seasoning on board the old Langley. Subsequently he served two separate tours instructing fledgling pilots at NAS Pensacola, the last just before being ordered to Fight Eight (VF-8). Raby was a highly experienced, outstanding air leader, but circumstances decreed that he leave VF-8 for his own command before the Hornet headed out to the Pacific.
Chain of Command
Lieut. John Raby (USNA 1929) was the first XO of the Fighting Eight's. He earned his wings in 1931 and went to fighters (VF-3B) for three yers of seasoning on board the old Langley. Subsequently he served two separate tours instructing fledgling pilots at NAS Pensacola, the last just before being ordered to Fight Eight (VF-8). Raby was a highly experienced, outstanding air leader, but circumstances decreed that he leave VF-8 for his own command before the Hornet headed out to the Pacific.
Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9)
Navy Cross
Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Commander John Raby, United States 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.