Raymond “Ray” Arthur Morse

MEDALS-RIBBONS: Good Conduct, Korean Service w/2 Stars, United Nations Korean Service, National Defense Service

"Ray", a Communications Engineer served with the 1st Marine Division, Marine Tactical Air Control Squadron Two.

Ray Morse was a native San Diegan born at Mercy Hospital March 14, 1931.

He grew up in Ocean, Mission, and Pacific beaches, later living in Clairemont, Poway, Escondido, La Jolla, and Bay Park. He graduated from La Jolla High School in 1948. He enjoyed football and track, but especially being able to be close to the beach so he could surf after, and sometimes during, school hours! He also enjoyed working as a lighting technician for the high school, and later for the La Jolla Playhouse when its productions were held at the high school where he worked with Gregory Peck and others. He was an avid skin diver in local waters, especially enjoying the hunt for abalone. A few odd jobs after graduation he went to Medford Oregon to visit his Mom and step Dad. While there, working in the Harry and David fruit packing facility, he decided to enlist in the armed forces in 1950. He thought about the Navy because he loved the water so much, but their recruiting office was closed at this spur-of-the-moment decision, so he joined the Marines. OOOH RAH

He rode the recruitment bus back to San Diego and went to MCRD. He wasn’t sure he’d make it through the first day when the DI told him to swallow his chewing gum, and then teased him about his slicked back DA haircut just before getting his Marine Corps buzz cut.

He was hoping to get into aviation ordinance, but ended up at Great Lakes Naval Station after Boot Camp where he learned radio repair and radio relay.

While at Great Lakes he married Phyllis. When he was sent to El Toro, they set up housekeeping and welcomed their first child, Raylynn, who prefers to be called Ray.

He was given orders to Korea and upon arrival was sent to a forward area to be the communications chief. His job was to radio targets and report damage to pilots in Marine Tactical Air Control Squadron Two. While in Korea his second daughter, Sherri was born in August on 1953.

Ray had a successful career in many facets of electronics after leaving the Marine Corps in March of 1954.

Ray was a loyal patriot, hard worker and most of all a life-long Marine. Always proud to wear his hat, display the American flag, and honor all service personnel.