Ssgt Claude "Bud" Ray

[S.E.R.E.]

Last night I rode with the Patriot Guard to San Diego where we welcomed back Ssgt Claude "Bud" Ray after 67 years listed as a Missing In Action (MIA). At 1930 Hrs I got on the bike and rode south 30 miles to SD. There at "Spanish Landing" we met for a pre-brief and then departed for Lindbergh Field. After appx 20 minutes of waiting the family arrived and then "Bud" came home. We met him and escorted him through the streets of San Diego on a beautiful full moon night between all the mountainous skyscrapers lit by late workers now looking to see why such a long cavalcade of bikes was escorting a couple vehicles. With lights flashing the SD Police escorted us to Interstate 5, at this time the PGR took over and provided the escort for the next 40+ miles to Fallbrook and the memorial home. Upon arrival, we formed a flag line and protected and welcomed "Bud" and his family. A late night but a great one.

Welcome Home Bud!


It was on 27 October, 1943 that Army Air Corps Ssgt Claude "Bud" Ray's B24 Liberator took off from Port Morsby, New Guinea. Bud was never heard from again and was considered MIA for over 60 years.

In 2005, a group of native New Guineans found a dog tag and remains in plane wreckage. But, there were dozens of wreck sites in the area. DNA testing began by the POW/MIA Accounting Command. Time dragged on for his surviving niece Karen and nephew Burt. This year, an Army CAO delivered the good news to Karen and Burt....Uncle Bud was coming home to San Diego!

Ssgt Ray will be laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery on 27 Oct.........exactly 67 years to the day since he disappeared.

You might be able to go to local tv channel 10 to see the entire story. It aired 22 Oct @ 1730.

Never forget and always remember our POW/MIA..........there is hope!

[TX Wide Glide]

Pretty cool. Glad he made it home. Thanks for sharing.