★
Jackie
Ray
Ray
PVT · Skull · 11B10 · Infantryman
KIA
In-Country Service
1971-12-16 –
Home of Record
Jackson, Jackson County, MI
Character of Service
Honorable
Archive Status
Active
Service timeline not yet compiled. If you served with or knew Jackie Ray, please use the contribute form to share what you remember.
1971-12-16
Arrived
Arrived in Vietnam — December 16, 1971
PVT Jackie Ray began his tour with D Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry (Airmobile), 1st Cavalry Division, Republic of Vietnam.
1972-05-10
Incident
Killed in action — Chinook crash, May 10, 1972
PVT Ray was killed when CH-47A tail number 64-13157 crashed near Long Thanh North Airfield, Republic of Vietnam. The aircraft was carrying Skull Platoon and the company commander of D Company, 2/8 Cavalry, to Vũng Tàu for a three-day in-country R&R. A blade retaining pin failed at altitude; the helicopter exploded on impact. All 34 aboard were killed. PVT Ray was 23 years old.
1972-05-10
Casualty record
Near Long Thanh North Airfield, Biên Hòa Province, Republic of Vietnam. UTM YT168032. En route Biên Hòa to Vũng Tàu (R&R).
Did You Know Jackie, or Serve Alongside Jackie?
We are actively collecting photographs, letters, and memories for this profile. Submissions are reviewed before publication. If you served with Jackie — or are a family member with materials — we'd be grateful to hear from you.
Looking for official service or casualty records? See our guide →