RABY, John, RADM

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Awarded for actions during 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.

Action Date: November 8 - 11, 1942
Service: Navy 
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Fighting Squadron 9 (VF-9)
Division: U.S.S. Ranger (CV-4)

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

JOHN J. RABY
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

JAMES JOSEPH RABY (father)
REAR ADMIRAL USN
DATE OF DEATH: 01/15/1934
BURIED AT: SECTION 6  SITE 9629
ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

NOTE: Admiral John 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. Both, father and son, were: Naval Aviators, each was awarded the Navy Cross and retired as Rear Admirals.