Project 888
Name: Ray Francis JOHNSTON
Rank / Rating: MM1-Machinist's Mate First ClassService #: 616 53 02 DOB: Jun 20, 1919 From: Forney, TX Parents: Went Aboard: Nov 23, 1942 Age When Ship Went Down: 26 years, 1 months, 10 days Spouse: Children: Grandchildren: Bio Submitted By: Admin |
 JOHNSTON, Ray F |
|
Machinist Mate First Class Johnston was born on June 20, 1919. He grew up on a farm near Forney, Texas.
|
|
|
Medals awarded: American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and posthumously the Purple Heart.
Ray was lost at sea. One of the survivors told the family that Ray called himself “Johnny” Johnston because there were so many “Rays” on board the “Indy”.
The following is a poem found in his things; his family is sure it was sent to him by his mother:
In the Navy
I miss you tonight. In the old home place the rooms seem so vacant and quiet.
I call your name in my wandering
Only echoes answer back in the night
One door swings wide on its hinges
As I pause by your picture, dear.
The door to your old clothes closet that keeps our part of you here
Your rifle, on its peg in the corner is gray in its covering of dust
And the barrel you kept shining like silver is sprinkled with small flecks of rust.
Your rubber boots stand by the wall, dear fishing tackle on the top most shelf
Small things that might pass unnoticed
Yet seems such a big part of your self
I found your pipe and tobacco
Inside the old coat that you wore
And beneath a small bit of ashes
A tiny heap on the floor
That old clothes closet is precious
Full of memories that make my heart yearn
I shall lock the door against intruders
Until the day when I know you’ll return.
Source:
Date first aboard from ship muster rolls.
|
|
|
|
