Raymond Leroy Murray
Major General, U.S. Marine Corps

Raymond Leroy Murray was born on 30 January 1913 in Los Angeles, CA.

Murray's 33-year military career included service during three wars: World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.

During World War II, he was awarded his first Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism under fire on 15 June 1944 while serving as a Lieutenant Colonel on Saipan, where he was in command of the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division. Though seriously wounded, he remained at his post and continued to direct his Battalion.

During the Korean Conflict, he served as Commanding Officer of the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. After fierce assaults by the Chinese in sub-zero temperatures at the Chosin Reservoir, he led his men on a nearly 100-mile evacuation to safety. Urging his exhausted men on and refusing to leave stragglers behind, he became known as the "hero of Chosin Reservoir." For his Korean service, Murray earned the Army Distinguished Service Cross and his second Navy Cross, and was promoted to Colonel in January 1951.

Murray was promoted to Brigadier General in June 1959 and, in March 1961, he became Commanding General of the Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton; serving in that capacity through June 1962. He was promoted to Major General during his subsequent assignment as Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island.

His last tour of active duty was as Deputy Commander, 3rd Marine Amphibious Force in Vietnam. He retired from active duty on 1 August 1968.

Medals and Awards

Navy Cross (2 Awards)
Army Distinguished Service Cross
Silver Star Medal (4 Awards)
Purple Heart

In Retirement

After retiring Major General Murray resided in Oceanside, CA. There he served on the boards of several organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Boys & Girls Club, and the Armed Services YMCA.

Death and Burial

Major General Raymond Leroy Murray died on Veterans Day, 11 November 2004, in Encinitas, CA, at age 91. He is buried at Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery in Oceanside, CA.