Ray F. Axford

Ray Francis Axford (11 February 1920 in Wyoming – 18 April 2009 in Hood River, Oregon) was an American First Lieutenant in the United States Army during World War II. He also was a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross which was awarded for having distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism against an armed enemy in circumstances which do not justify the award of the Medal of Honor.

Awards

• Combat Infantryman Badge
• Distinguished Service Cross on 25 June 1945 as First Lieutenant in Troop C, 25th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), 4th Armored Division
• Army of Occupation Medal
• American Campaign Medal
• European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 bronze stars
• World War II Victory Medal

Distinguished Service Cross citation

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Cavalry) Ray F. Axford (ASN: 0-1031372), United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with Troop C, 25th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), 4th Armored Division, in action against enemy forces on 8 March 1945, in Germany. During a reconnaissance patrol near Nickenich, Germany, Lieutenant Axford observed a large enemy force preparing to evacuate the town, and exhibiting cool initiative and heroic leadership, led his platoon in an audacious, skillfully executed attack. Inspired by his bold actions his men killed fifteen, captured 200 of the enemy soldiers, destroyed or captured a large amount of equipment and so confused the numerically superior hostile forces that the platoon suffered no casualties. First Lieutenant Axford's intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, the 4th Armored Division, and the United States Army.