Ray Austin Gentry


S/Sgt    34434724    614th
North Carolina
1920 - 1944

Tail Gunner aboard 42-38162


Madingley cemetery, Camebridge, England.
Wall of missing
1920 - 1944






     Ray was born Jul 13, 1920, Oldfields, Todd, Ashe, North Carolina.
     His parents, Fred and Anna died in 1932, Ray was raised by his paternal uncle and aunt.

     In Oct, 13, 1942 he enlisted to the air corps.

     In 1944 he arrived in England to join the 401st BG

     His last mission, Apr 9, 1944, target: Marienburg , Germany, the Group was attacked by a number
     of FW 190's.
     The B-17 , piloted by Lt. William R. Dawes, had its nose blown off and was seen going into the Baltic sea

     There were no survivors of the crew, which was nearing the end of its tour.

     He was awarded with an Air Medal and a Purple Heart Medal

     In 1944, when Ray died on the age of 23 he left behind his family :

         His uncle, Walter Gentry, age 48
         His aunt, Nellie Gentry, age 46




Marienburg, located in East Prussia, was the most distant target yet bombed by the 401st.
Enroute back from the target, while over the Baltic Sea, the Group was attacked by a number of FW 190's.
AC was seen going into the sea.






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