USS LeRay Wilson

LeRay Wilson, born at Cove, Oreg., 4 February 1920, enlisted in the Navy 8 February 1939. Assigned to William B. Preston (AVD-7) on 14 June 1940, Wilson was on the seaplane tender in Malolog Bay in the Philippines when the Japanese attacked American ships there on the morning of 8 December 1941. He remained on her throughout the succeeding months of valiant struggle in which plucky American ships defied overwhelming odds fighting to hold back the enemy advance toward Australia. Japanese bombers finally caught up with William B. Preston at Darwin, Australia, 19 February 1942. Despite the rapidity with which the attack developed and the very obvious danger of being trapped by an explosion, Wilson went immediately below decks and had just completed closing all doors and hatches when a bomb hitting within a few feet of him caused his death. Because of his courage and efficiency, the flooding of the ship was confined to two compartments. Metalsmith 2d Class Wilson was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his bravery.

LeRay Wilson (DE-414) was laid down 20 December 1943 by Brown Shipbuilding Co., Houston, Tex.; launched 28 January 1944; sponsored by Mrs. Julia Wilson, mother of LeRay Wilson; and commissioned 10 May 1944, Lt. Comdr. M. V. Carson in command.

After shakedown off Bermuda, the new destroyer escort departed Boston 15 July 1944 for the Pacific war zone. With calls at San Diego, Pearl Harbor, and Eniwetok, LeRay Wilson arrived Manus, Admiralties, as the Navy prepared for the invasion of the Philippines. Departing 12 October, she escorted the fabled "Taffy 2" to Leyte, arriving 18 October. For the next 12 days, the destroyer escort remained on station screening Rear Admiral Stump's escort carriers while they repelled the attacking Japanese Fleet and provided aircover for the landings. The ship arrived Manus 3 November and returned to the battle 20 to 28 November, escorting more carriers to provide aircover for the enemy-infested convoy lanes east and southeast of Leyte.

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From the Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships, compiled by the Naval History and Heritage Command (LeRay Wilson (DE-414)). A work of the United States Government, in the public domain.