COMMANDER RAY EVANS LAID TO REST:
American Admiralty Books has received belated word that Commander Ray Evans one of the Coast Guard heroes of Guadalcanal in WWII passed away May 30, 2013 and was laid to rest June 5, 2013.We'll let the Navy ALL HANDS magazine article of August 1943 and the today's USCG Commandant's message tell the story. At the time of his involvement at Guadalcanal that won him the Navy Cross Commander Evans was an enlisted First Class signalman. He had joined the Coast Guard prior to WWII's outbreak and remained with the service after the war eventually winning a commission and ascending to the rank of Commander. Below is his story.
R 041625Z JUN 13
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CCG// TO ALCOAST BT UNCLAS //N01000// ALCOAST 250/13 COMDTNOTE 1000 SUBJ: DEATH OF COMMANDER RAYMOND J. EVANS, USCG (RETIRED) A. United States Coast Guard Regulations 1992, COMDTINST M5000.3 (series) 1. It is with deep sadness that I report the passing of CDR Raymond J. Evans, USCG (Retired) who crossed the bar on 30 May at the age of 92. 2. CDR Evans enlisted in the Coast Guard along with Douglas Munro in 1939, and they were best friends and stationed together for most of the time until 1942 when Douglas Munro was killed during the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. CDR Evans went on to serve a long and distinguished Coast Guard career, retiring in 1962. 3. During his first assignment in CGC SPENCER, CDR Evans earned his signalman rating and advancement to third class petty officer. Sensing the coming war and desiring to be closer to the action, he volunteered to transfer to USS HUNTER LIGGETT, one of three Coast Guard-manned vessels that were transporting British troops from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to India. After the U.S. declared war, Evans unit joined a convoy to the South Pacific. The Battle of Guadalcanal started in 1942 and Coast Guardsmen manned many of the landing craft which were used to transport Marines between ships and beaches. Evans and Munro served aboard landing craft under heavy fire at Guadalcanal on 27 September 1942. During action that day, Evans ensured the successful evacuation of Marines and piloted his craft to safety following the loss of Samuel B. Roberts, his Navy coxswain. Evans was awarded the Navy Cross for his courage. Munro, who made the ultimate sacrifice later that day evacuating Marines from the beach with Evans by his side, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. 4. CDR Evans dedicated service to the Coast Guard continued after World War II, and he remained on active duty until his retirement in 1962. His other assignments included Commanding Officer of CG-83527 and CGC IVY (WAGL-329), Executive Officer of CGC CHAUTAUQUA (WPG-41), and Captain of the Port in Houston. He accumulated over 12 years of sea duty. 5. CDR Evans selfless service fully embodied the Coast Guard Ethos. While we work together as a team to accomplish our mission, each Coast Guardsman is an individual who is capable and expected to make a difference. CDR Evans made that difference. 6. In 1998 Coast Guard Station Honolulu named their new boathouse the Raymond Joseph Evans, Jr. Boathouse to commemorate his service. In 2003, the Coast Guard created the CDR Ray Evans Outstanding Coxswain Trophy, a prestigious annual award that recognizes a Coast Guard coxswain who demonstrates sustained superior performance, exceptional boat handling skills, and exemplary leadership. 7. On Wednesday, 5 June at 1130 the Coast Guard will honor CDR Evans during services at Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood, WA. We offer our deepest condolences to CDR Evans family, friends and Shipmates. 8. IAW Chapter 14 of Reference (a), the National Ensign of the United States shall be flown at half mast from 0800 until sunset on Wednesday, 5 June in honor of CDR Raymond Evans. The National Ensign shall be flown at half mast on all Coast Guard buildings, grounds, and vessels not underway. 9. Semper Paratus. 10. Admiral Bob Papp, Commandant, sends. 11. Internet release authorized. BT NNNN | |||
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