Submitter:
Teena Hubbard

Message:
Hi,
I tried to post this, but wasn't able. Just registered as FormerWM...
anyway, my uncle, Richard Paul (PAT) Bray, HMM-362 passed away the morning of the 18th of December. He is a former member of popasmoke.com and a former 34 driver.

Any messages for his family (wife, Willa) can be sent to me at
jarhead@bendcable.com

When I joined the Marine Corps in 1984, my great uncle Pat was
somewhat skeptical. It wasn't until just two or so years ago...we were all sitting out on the back deck and he was telling me a story... my mom started to interject something and he said "you wouldn't understand, you weren't a Marine" and took me aside to finish telling the story. It was at that moment that I realized that he had finally come to accept me as a full Marine... not just a female novelty 🙂

He was a great man and a great Marine. He will be missed.

I was under the impression that uncle pat was with 362. But I remember seeing a picture of him with a lion cub, and him talking about the "Lucy red lions". perhaps you can help me clear up my confusion???

(_)? <------ a tankard of ale for my Great Uncle Pat.

Semper Fi,
Teena Hubbard

------------------------

found it...
> http://online.statesmanjournal.com/obituaries/obituary.cfm?i=19273
>
> Richard 'Pat' Bray
> July 31, 1931 - December 18, 2003
>
> SALEM - Pat was born in Umatilla, Oregon, youngest of 12, where he
> graduated from Umatilla High School. Pat joined the Marine Corps in
> 1950 where he served his country in the Korean War and received two
> Purple Hearts. He was then commissioned as an officer and attended
> flight school. He then served in Vietnam from 1964-65, where he earned
> a Distinguished Flying Cross. Pat was also the Commander of the
> Helicopter Squadron of HMH-363 in Santa Ana, California. Pat then
> retired in 1973, as Lt. Colonel after 23 years of service. The family
> then moved back to Oregon where he worked for the Marion County
> Sheriff's Department and retired from private business in 1994.
>
> That's the official gouge, but i still don't know who he flew with in
> Vietnam... he was a 34 driver if that helps. I realize this isn't what
> you do, but at least direct me where to turn to find out...
>
> thanks so very much...