Raymond enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in 1939 at the age of 17.
After basic training Raymond was assigned to the famous 8th Air Force based in England. The 8th Air Force was responsible for the bombing and destruction of the German war industry and its ability to continue the war in Europe. At different times the 8th, as well as the 15th Air Force based in Italy focused on what the Air Corps generals had decided what was of vital importance to the continuation of the Nazi war machine. These targets included but weren’t limited to the ball bearing works spread all over Europe, and also the oil industry that powered the machines of the Luftwaffe, and the Weirmacht.
Raymond was trained and participated as an aerial gunner aboard medium and heavy bombers of the 8th. These gunners were for the most part exposed to the bone chilling temperatures of planes flying above 20,000 feet in planes with no heat (except for the crew’s electric suits) and un-pressurized fuselages. That coupled with the deadly flak and German fighters that were ever present, made the continued existence of an aerial gunner daunting at the least.
He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was discharged in 1945.
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