Ship's Crest
The coat of arms of David R. Ray serves as a heraldic reminder of the ship's namesake. The light blue center section and white inverted star allude to the Medal of Honor pendant. The light blue and two Navy blue stripes represent the courage, perseverance and selfless devotion of Petty Officer Ray in the performance of his duties as corpsman with Battery D, Second Battalion, Eleventh Marine Division (reinforced), Fleet Marine Force in Vietnam. The battery's position is indicated by the scarlet and gold embattled border.
Navy blue, gold and scarlet are the colors of the Navy and Marine Corps. The navy blue caduceus, the insignia worn by hospital corpsmen in the navy, along with the howitzer cartridges allude to the medical services the Navy provides to the Marine Corps. In particular, they symbolize the action in which Petty Officer Ray, though fatally wounded, gave medical assistance and protection to wounded Marine comrades. The ship's motto, "Determined, Ready, Resourceful" alludes to the initials of Petty Officer Ray and epitomizes his legacy to the ship that bears his name. The motto served as a guide and inspiration for the men and women who served on the David R. Ray throughout the years.
Read more about this topic: USS David R. Ray (DD-971)
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