Gray, Olin M, Pvt

Olin M. Gray, age 89, of Godfrey, passed away Sunday, November 3, 2013, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born March 8, 1924, in Fairfield, IL, the son of Otto and Winnie (Wreath) Gray. He was a Raider in the U.S. Marine Corps, and received the Distinguished Service Cross. Olin then became a carpenter with the Union Local 377 for over 40 years. He married Sybil Noll on February 1991 in Chatham, IL, and she survives. Mr. Gray was a member of VFW Post #1308. In addition to his wife, Sybil; he is also survived by his first wife, Marlene and their children: a daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Allen Radcliff of Greenfield; three sons and two daughters-in-law, David and Ruth Gray of Fountain Hills, AZ, Jeffrey and Gail Gray of Alton, and James Gray of Nashville, TN; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Funk, Monica Hoxsie, Tony Radcliff, Justin, Ashton, Ryan, Katie, and Michael Gray; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; five step-children; step-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Norma Jean Koertge; and a son, Bruce Gray. A visitation will be held Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 1:00 pm, at Elias Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey. Pastor Matthew Prince will officiate. Military burial rites will be provided by the Alton VFW Post #1308. A private family burial will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alton Memorial Hospital Hospice or to St. Anthonyâ??s Hospital Hospice.

GRAY, OLIN M.
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Olin M. Gray (458574), Private, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Company Q, FOURTH Marine Raider Battalion, in the early part of the engagement at Bairoko Harbor, New Georgia, Solomon Islands, on 20 July 1943. After all the other men in his machine-gun squad had been either killed or wounded, Private Gray, on his own initiative, took over the gun and manned it single-handedly with spectacular daring and zeal during the entire action. He repeatedly exposed himself purposely to the Japanese and boldly invited fire so that their gun positions would be divulged. These challenging tactics netted him the discovery and destruction of two enemy machine-gun nests. During a withdrawal, he covered the rear elements of his company and was the last man to leave the area. His aggressive, fearless conduct was in keeping with the highest traditions of the service and contributed greatly to the success of his company's share in the action. The outstanding heroism and skill displayed by Private Gray on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.