USA - WETMORE Raymond Shuey ciel de gloire - histoire des as de l\'aviation de 1914 à nos jours WETMORE Raymond Shuey "Ray" "Bright Eyes"
WETMORE Raymond Shuey "Ray" "Bright Eyes"


 

 


 


Né le 20 septembre 1923 à Kerman
Tué accidentellement le 14 février 1951 à Ottis AFB (Massachusetts)

 

 

Major

21 victoires homologuées
1 victoire en collaboration
1 avion ennemi endommagé
2,33 avions ennemis détruits au sol

 



Grade Date
Unités
Arrivée Départ Fonction Secteur
Slt
20/03/42
USAAF 07/42 03/43 Elève Pilote Etats-Unis
Lt
26/10/43
321 FS / 326 FG 03/43 04/43 Pilote Etats-Unis
Cpt
21/06/44
370 FS / 359 FG 04/43 10/43 Pilote Grande Bretagne
Maj
01/06/45
 
370 FS / 359 FG 10/43 05/45 Pilote Grande Bretagne

Officier de l'USAAF né le 30 sepembre 1923 à Kerman (Californie), Ray Wetmore rejoint les rangs de l'Army Reserves le 24 novembre 1941 comme Pvt. Il débute sa formation en qualité de Cadet de l'Air le 3 juillet 1942 et se qualifie comme pilote le 19 mars 1943 avec le grade de Sous-Lieutenant à Moore Field (Texas). Tout d'abord affecté au 321st Fighter Squadron / 326th Fighter Group, il est transféré au 370th Fighter Squadron / 359th Fighter Group le 13 avril 1943. En octobre, il rejoint la Grande Bretagne et à la fin de l'année, il totalise 488 heures de vol dont 231 de formation initiale. Promu Lieutenant le 26 octobre 1943, puis Capitaine le 21 juin 1944, il accède au rang de Major au lendemain de la seconde guerre mondiale, le 1 juin 1945. Au cours du séjour qu'il effectue au sein de cette unité, il remporte 22 victoires confirmées en combat aérien, dont 3 en collaboration et reçoit deux fois la Distinguished Service Cross, la deuxième plus haute distinction américaine, 2 Silver Star, 6 DFC et 12 Air Medals.

Resté dans l'Air Force après guerre, il se tue accidentellement le 14 février 1951 sur la base Otis AFB dans le Massachusetts, à bord de son F-86A-5 (48-149A). Il était alors commandant du 59th FIS / 33rd FIG.

Avions assignés :

  • P-47D / 42-75068 / CS P
  • P-51B / 42-106894 / CS P
  • P-51D / 44-14733 / CS L / "Daddy's Girl"

 

 

 


 

 

 

P-51D-10NA (44-14733) "Daddy's Girl" du Major Wetmore / 359th Fighter Group

 

 

370th Fighter Squadron


 


Traducteur / Translator / Traduttore / übersetzer / vertaler

 

 



 

WETMORE Raymond Shuey "Ray" "Bright Eyes" (Maj) O-675960 / O-39453 / 16288A

 





Distinguished Service Cross (One oak leaf cluster)
Silver Star
(One oak leaf cluster)
Distinguished Flying Cross (5 oak leaf cluster)
Air Medal (11 oak leaf cluster)

European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal


 

 

 

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Ray S. Wetmore (0-675960), Captain (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 370th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 2 November 1944, during a bomber escort mission over Germany. Upon leaving the target, Captain Wetmore spotted thirty Me-109's which he immediately led his section of six airplanes to engage. He overtook the enemy and by the vigor and daring of his attack broke up the Me-109 formation. Scoring hits on one enemy airplane, he pursued it alone through the undercast to complete its destruction. Alone under the overcast, he then engaged from fifteen to twenty more Me-109's, refusing to break off the action in the face of repeated passes by the enemy pilots although only two of his guns were firing. Despite the overwhelming numerical superiority of the enemy, his cool courage and superb skill as a combat pilot resulted in the destruction of another enemy fighter, and the remaining Me-109's then dispersed. Captain Wetmore's resolute determination to attack and destroy the enemy in the face of every hazard and his eagerness to force combat against heavy odds have been an inspiration to his fellow flyers and reflect highest credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 87 (1944)

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Service Cross to Ray S. Wetmore, Captain (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-51 Fighter Airplane in the 370th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 27 November 1944, during an air mission over Germany. On this date, Captain Wetmore was leader of a flight of four P-51 fighter aircraft on a fighter sweep mission over north central Germany. During the mission he sighted three formations of enemy aircraft, totaling more than 200 FW 190's and Me-109's. With total disregard for his own personal safety, Major Wetmore tracked the hostile fighters, radioing their positions, altitude and course to his nearby fighter group. Supporting fighters failed to arrive, and Major Wetmore, ignoring the fact of the overwhelming odds of 200 to 2, chose to attack three of the enemy aircraft in the air. The action of Major Wetmore on this occasion was a clear demonstration of the willful selection of the more hazardous of two acceptable and honorable courses of action, since his withdrawal from the combat under such overwhelmingly unfavorable circumstances would certainly have been acceptable. Captain Wetmore's unquestionable valor in aerial combat is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.

Headquarters: U.S. Army Air Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 168 (1945)
Personal Awards: 2@ Distinguished Service Crosses (WWII)

 

 

 

Captain (Air Corps) Ray Shuey Wetmore (ASN: 0-675960), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star for gallantry in action against the enemy as pilot of a fighter airplane of the 370th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, during World War II.

General Orders: Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 48 (1945)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Ray Shuey Wetmore (ASN: 0-675960), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of the 370th Fighter Squadron, 359th Fighter Group, EIGHTH Air Force, in action against the enemy while protecting a Bomber Formation over Germany, 29 May 1944. Shortly before the bombers reached their target, approximately sixty enemy fighters attacked from all sides. Captain Wetmore, along with the other members of his flight, made a vigorous assault. With cool and calm deliberation, Captain Wetmore picked his target and closed for the kill. He was informed that an enemy aircraft was on his tail, but with utter disregard for his own safety, he pressed his attack until he saw the plane in his sight burst into flames. Then by skillful maneuvering, he gained a vantage position and successfully destroyed the other aircraft. The aggressive combat tactics and indomitable fighting spirit displayed by Captain Wetmore, were an inspiration to all who participated in this action.

General Orders: Headquarters, 8th Air Force, General Orders No. 510 (October 10, 1944)

Action Date: May 29, 1944

 

 

 

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Ray Shuey Wetmore (ASN: 0-675960), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement and heroism in the destruction of five enemy airplanes in aerial combat over enemy occupied Continental Europe. The skillful and zealous manner in which Captain Wetmore has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Ray Shuey Wetmore (ASN: 0-675960), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement and heroism in aerial combat and the destruction of one enemy airplane over enemy occupied Continental Europe. The skillful and zealous manner in which Captain Wetmore has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Ray Shuey Wetmore (ASN: 0-675960), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement and heroism in aerial combat and the destruction of two enemy airplanes over enemy occupied Continental Europe. The skillful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Wetmore has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his zealous devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

General Orders: Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 45 (May 19, 1944)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Ray Shuey Wetmore (ASN: 0-675960), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement as Pilot of a fighter airplane in World War II. Lieutenant Wetmore has accomplished ten fighter combat missions, or the equivalent thereof, over enemy occupied Continental Europe and has destroyed four enemy airplanes in aerial combat. The skillful and zealous manner in which Lieutenant Wetmore has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, his devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

General Orders: Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 33 (April 19, 1944)

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Ray Shuey Wetmore (ASN: 0-675960), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight near Sommesous, France, 16 March 1944. Sighting two FW 190's diving at bombers, Lieutenant Wetmore led his flight down to attack and followed the enemy into a dive which reached a speed so great that his controls began to buffet. Nevertheless, he continued to close on the enemy until the Hun exploded under his fire. Reassembling his flight, Lieutenant Wetmore saw two more FW 190-s emerge from the overcast and attacked so violently that his fire blew up one of the enemy before he could shelter in the clouds. Lieutenant Wetmore then drove another enemy aircraft away from a straggling and burning bomber, whose crew was bailing out. His cool skill and courageous leadership in the effective use of his flight reflect great credit on himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

General Orders: Headquarters, VIII Fighter Command, General Orders No. 34 (April 27, 1944)

Captain Ray Shuey Wetmore (ASN: 0-675960), United States Air Force, was awarded a Fifth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Sixth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight.

 

 

 

 

 

Victoires aériennes


Victoires  
20
.
3
  Collaboration
Probables  
o
.
o
  Collaboration
Non confirmées  
o
.
o
  Collaboration
Endommagés  
1
.
o
  Collaboration

Objectifs terrestres
.
Avions détruits au sol  
2,33
.
-
  Endommagés au sol
Blindés  
-
.
-
  Véhicules
Locomotives  
-
.
-
  Bateaux


VICTOIRES
Date Heure Revendic Type Unité Avion d'arme Unité Lieu   Référence
10.02.44
11.10 Détruit Me 109
P-47D-5RE / 42-8663 / CR G 370 FS / 359 FG 40 m Est Zuider Zee / Den Ham
1
(Lt) Wetmore R S
04.03.44
12.15 Détruit (1/4) Me 109
P-47D-5RE / 42-8663 / CR G 370 FS / 359 FG Bonn
2
-
-
-
(Lt) Wetmore R S
(-) -
(-) -

(-) -
04.03.44
12.15 Endommagé Me 109
P-47D-5RE / 42-8663 / CR G 370 FS / 359 FG Bonn
-
(Lt) Wetmore R S
16.03.44
10.45 Détruit Fw 190
P-47D-10RE / 42-75068 CR P 370 FS / 359 FG Sommersous
3
(Lt) Wetmore R S
16.03.44
10.45 Détruit Fw 190
P-47D-10RE / 42-75068 CR P 370 FS / 359 FG Sommersous
4
(Lt) Wetmore R S
22.04.44
18.50 Détruit Fw 190
P-47C-2RE / 41-6282 CS O 370 FS / 359 FG 40 m Nord Hamm
5
(Lt) Wetmore R S
19.05.44
12.45 Détruit Me 109
P-51B-15NA / 42-106894 / CS P 370 FS / 359 FG Stendal
6
(Lt) Wetmore R S
19.05.44
12.45 Détruit Me 109
P-51B-15NA / 42-106894 / CS P 370 FS / 359 FG Stendal
7
(Lt) Wetmore R S
29.05.44
12.15 Détruit Fw 190
P-51B-15NA / 42-106894 / CS P 370 FS / 359 FG En route vers Stettin
8
(Lt) Wetmore R S
29.05.44
12.15 Détruit Fw 190
P-51B-15NA / 42-106894 / CS P 370 FS / 359 FG En route vers Stettin
9
(Lt) Wetmore R S
02.11.44
12.45 Détruit Me 109
P-51D-10NA / 44-14733 / CS L 370 FS / 359 FG En route vers Erfurt / Welmar / Jena
10
(Cpt) Wetmore R S
02.11.44
12.45 Détruit Me 109
P-51D-10NA / 44-14733 / CS L 370 FS / 359 FG En route vers Erfurt / Welmar / Jena
11
(Cpt) Wetmore R S
27.11.44
12.45 13.00 Détruit Me 109
P-51D-15NA / 44-14979 / CS H 370 FS / 359 FG SE Hanovre
12
(Cpt) Wetmore R S
27.11.44
12.45 13.00 Détruit Me 109
P-51D-15NA / 44-14979 / CS H 370 FS / 359 FG SE Hanovre
13
(Cpt) Wetmore R S
27.11.44
12.45 13.00 Détruit Me 109
P-51D-15NA / 44-14979 / CS H 370 FS / 359 FG SE Hanovre
14
(Cpt) Wetmore R S
31.12.44
11.50 12.00 Détruit Me 109
P-51D-10NA / 44-14733 / CS L 370 FS / 359 FG En route vers Hanovre
15
(Cpt) Wetmore R S
31.12.44
11.50 12.00 Détruit (1/2) Me 109
P-51D-10NA / 44-14733 / CS L 370 FS / 359 FG En route vers Hanovre
16
-
(Cpt) Wetmore R S
(-) -
01.01.45
11.31 Détruit Me 109
P-51D-10NA / 44-14733 / CS L 370 FS / 359 FG En route vers Lüneburg
17
(Cpt) Wetmore R S
14.01.45
13.30 14.00 Détruit Fw 190
P-51D-10NA / 44-14733 / CS L 370 FS / 359 FG En route vers Aérod Vorden
18
(Cpt) Wetmore R S
14.01.45
13.30 14.00 Détruit Fw 190
P-51D-10NA / 44-14733 / CS L 370 FS / 359 FG En route vers Aérod Vorden
19
(Cpt) Wetmore R S
14.01.45
13.30 14.00 Détruit Fw 190
P-51D-10NA / 44-14733 / CS L 370 FS / 359 FG En route vers Aérod Vorden
20
(Cpt) Wetmore R S
14.01.45
13.30 14.00 Détruit Fw 190
P-51D-10NA / 44-14733 / CS L 370 FS / 359 FG En route vers Aérod Vorden
21
(Cpt) Wetmore R S
14.01.45
13.30 14.00 Détruit (1/2) Fw 190
P-51D-10NA / 44-14733 / CS L 370 FS / 359 FG En route vers Aérod Vorden
22
-
(Cpt) Wetmore R S
(-) -
15.03.45
15.00 Détruit Me 163
P-51D-15NA / 44-15521 / CS V 370 FS / 359 FG Wittenberg
23
(Cpt) Wetmore R S


Sources

STARS & BARS - Frank Olynyk - Grub Street Editions
http://www.littlefriends.co.uk/gallery.php?Group=359
http://www.homeofheroes.com/members/02_DSC/citatons/03_wwii-dsc/aaf_t.html#W
http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=23141