Raymond O'Brien
U.S. Navy
WWII
Raymond Woodrow O’Brien was born on November 17, 1918 in Gemmell, Minnesota. He was a very talented athlete who enjoyed baseball and basketball. He married Vivian Bryant, his high school sweetheart in 1939. Ray served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He served aboard the U.S.S. Zebra which was sent to Iwo Jima to serve both as a net cargo and flagship. While there, the crew took on heavy fire and direct attacks from the enemy. They spent 42 days at Iwo Jima before returning home to California. Raymond was decorated for his service in the Navy.
After the war, Ray was employed with and retired from the Army Corps of Engineers. During his time of employment, Ray and Vivian relocated several times and raised five loving children. Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family. During his later years, you could always find him down at the VFW in Bemidji or the surrounding Legions.
Raymond and Vivian spent 70 wonderful years together. They both passed away at the age of 92 within one week of each other. They are buried side by side in Black Duck, Minnesota.
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