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Contact Info
Home Town Pensacola, Florida
Last Address Arlington National Cemetery
Date of Passing Feb 19, 1967
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
John J. Raby
Rear Admiral, United States Navy
Navy Cross
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.
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.
Central Pacific Campaign (1941-43)/Air Strikes on Marcus and Wake Islands
From Month/Year
December / 1941
To Month/Year
December / 1943
Description Air strikes from the carrier Wasp (CV-18).
My Participation in This Battle or Operation
From Month/Year
December / 1941
To Month/Year
December / 1943
Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020
Personal Memories
Memories 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.
