[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 11 (Thursday, January 18, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E61]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





       HONORING THE LIFE OF SERGEANT MAJOR RAY V. WILBURN (RET.)

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PAUL COOK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 18, 2018

  Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of retired 
United States Marine Corps Sergeant Major Ray V. Wilburn, who passed 
away on January 2, 2018 at the age of 98. Born in Wolf City, Texas in 
1919, Sgt. Maj. Wilburn hitchhiked 75 miles to enlist in the Marine 
Corps in 1939. Following the outbreak of World War II, he was assigned 
to 3rd Artillery Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment in the Solomon 
Islands. His unit eventually saw combat on the islands of Guadalcanal, 
Tarawa, and Tulagi.
  At the beginning of the Korean War, Sgt. Maj. Wilburn was an 
artillery instructor at Camp Del Mar, California, but in 1951 he 
received orders to serve with the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment 
in Korea. His unit was assigned to Artillery Valley where they endured 
constant barrages of enemy fire from 122mm rounds.
  In 1967, Sgt. Maj. Wilburn was sent to Vietnam with the 1st Medical 
Battalion where he was lauded by his superiors for his leadership and 
mettle. Nightly Viet Cong mortar attacks forced he and his fellow 
Marines to perform their duties in flak vests and helmets.
  The Marine Corps granted Sgt. Maj. Wilburn's request to serve more 
than 30 years, however in 1971 he was forced to medically retire after 
31 years of service. If given the opportunity, I have no doubt that 
Sgt. Maj. Wilburn would have served his beloved Marine Corps another 31 
years. I would like to pass along my condolences to his family and 
friends, and I thank God everyday for men like Sgt. Maj. Wilburn. 
Semper Fi.

                          ____________________