From: Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships

Born in Greenville, Tex., 1 April 1918, Raymond Leon Bray enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1940. He was killed in action at Gavutu, Solomon Islands, 7 August 1942. Corporal Bray was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism.

(DE-709: dp. 1450; l. 306'; b. 36'10"; dr. 13'9"; s. 24 k.; cpl. 186; a. 2 5", 3 21" TT.; cl. Rudderow)

Bray (DE-709) was launched 15 April 1944 by Defoe Shipbuilding Co., Bay City, Mich.; sponsored by Mrs. Mattie M. Bray, mother of Corporal Bray; and commissioned 4 September 1944, Commander J. A. Hetherington II, USNR, in command.

Bray was assigned to Escort Division 12, Atlantic Fleet, and during late 1944 participated in anti-submarine operations off Long Island and conducted exercises with American submarines. Following repairs at Boston Navy Yard as a result of a collision with Cuttlefish. (SS-171) 8 December, Bray reported to Norfolk early in 1945 and conducted training for prospective destroyer and destroyer escort crews. She later trained with submarine crews off New London until mid-July 1945. During this period she also participated in occasional anti-submarine duty along the east coast. On 19 March 1945 she steamed to the aid of Heroic (AMc-84), saving her from sinking.

Between 15 July and 18 September 1945 Bray was at Charleston Navy Yard where she underwent conversion to a high speed transport. She was reclassified APD-139, 16 July 1945. Bray later served as a training ship operating out of Miami. She arrived at Green Cove Springs, Fla., 7 December 1945 and was assigned to the 16th Fleet. She was placed out of commission in reserve 10 May 1946.