North High School Wall of Honor Raymond Charles Collins Class of August, 1941
Research done by Claradell Shedd, class of 1953. PAGE IN PROGRESS
Raymond Charles Collins Ray graduated from North High in August, 1941. At the time, his next of kin was Mr. James Francis Collins, Sr, 1406 East 12th Street, Des Moines, IA. His service number is _______.
Raymond Charles Collins Year   Rank   Status August, 1941   x   Graduated from North High, Des Moines, IA date x Student or Employed? x Work or schooling before going into the military? June 14, 1942   US Army/PVT   Enlisted, Fort Des Moines date x US Army x Basic training. Where? When? date   Enroute   Which troop ship to Pacific Theater? 81st Infantry Division; Wildcat Division. To Philippines. *The 81st Infantry Division landed in Hawaii, 11 June-8 July 1944. The division minus RCT 323 invaded Angaur Island in the Palau group, as part of the Palau Islands campaign 17 September, and pushed through to the western shore in a quick movement, cutting the island in half. The enemy was driven into isolated pockets and mopping-up operations began on the 20th. RCT 321, attached to the 1st Marine Division, went into action on Peleliu Island in the Palaus and assisted in splitting defense forces and isolating them in mountainous areas in the central part of the island. The team aided in mopping up Ngesebus Island and capturing Kongauru and Garakayo Islands. RCT 323 under naval task force command occupied Ulithi Island, 21–23 September 1944. Elements of the team landed on Ngulu Atoll and destroyed enemy personnel and installations, 16 October, completing the outflanking of the enemy base at Yap. On the 18th RCT 323 left to rejoin the 81st on Peleliu, which assumed command of all troops on that island and Angaur, 20 October 1944. Resistance was ended on Peleliu, 27 November. Between 4 November 1944 and 1 January 1945, the division seized Pulo Anna Island, Kyangel Atoll, and Pais Island. The 81st left in increments from 1 January to 8 February for New Caledonia for rehabilitation and training. The division arrived in Leyte on 17 May 1945, and after a period of training participated in mopping-up operations in the northwest part of the island, 21 July 1945 to 12 August 1945. After rest and training, the 81st moved to Japan, 18 September, and performed occupational duties in Aomori Prefecture until inactivation. date x US Army x From Philippines to where? date x US Army x Discharge where and when? date x Civilian x What work where and when?
Ray Ray New Guinea or appropriate photo text map of where Ray served MS Noordam or ? (converted troop ship) to New Guinea and Philippines
Raymond Charles Collins First Sergeant US Army 81st Infantry (Wildcat Division) Photo (portrait in uniform) of Ray
References The comprehensive list of names from North High's 1893-2018 graduation classes are from Claradell Shedd's North Des Moines High School website. The names of all North High School graduates can be found online at http://www.ndmhs.com/. Raymond Charles Collins's 1941class page can be viewed at http://www.ndmhs.com/pages/yearclass1941(2001.60).html.
05/30/10: Died 05/26/10; Marshalltown, IA
Music: "Wind Beneath My Wings"
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