Following is the Medal of honor Citation for Ray E. Eubanks as published in “The Congressional Medal of Honor, The Name, The Deeds” (Sharps & Dunning Publication – 1984).
“Rank and Organization: Sergeant, U.S. Army, Company D, 503rd Parachute Infantry.
Place and Date: At Noemfoor Island, Dutch New Guinea, 23 July 1944,
Entered Service at: La Grange, N.C.
Born: 6 February 1922, Snow Hill, N.C.
G.O.: 20, 29 March 1945.
Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at he risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty at Noemfoor Island, Dutch New Guinea, on 23 July 1944. While moving to the relief of a platoon isolated by the enemy, his company encountered a strong enemy position supported by machine gun, rifle, and mortar fire. Sergeant Eubanks was ordered to make an attack with one squad to neutralize the enemy by fire in order to assist the advance of his company. He maneuvered his squad to within thirty yards of the enemy, where heavy fire checked his advance. Directing his men to maintain their fire, he and two scouts worked their way forward to a shallow depression within twenty-five yards of the enemy. Directing the scouts to remain in place, Sergeant Eubanks armed himself with an automatic rifle and worked himself forward over terrain swept by intense fire to within fifteen yards of the enemy position and opened fire with telling effect. The enemy, having located his position, concentrated their fire with the result he was wounded and a bullet rendered his rifle useless. In spite of his painful wounds he immediately charged the enemy and using his weapon as a club killed four of the enemy before he was himself hit and killed. Sergeant Eubanks’ heroic action, courage, and example in leadership so inspired his men that their advance was successful. They killed forty-five of the enemy and drove the remainder from the position, thus effecting the relief of our beleaguered troops.”
A small obelisk that honors Sergeant Eubanks has been placed on the Courthouse Square in Snow Hill, North Carolina by the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. On November 11, 2001, North Carolina Highway 903, from Highway 70 in Lenoir County thru Greene County to the Pitt County line was named the “SGT. Ray E. Eubanks Highway”. At Fort Benning, Georgia, the training field where the jump towers are located is name in honor of Sergeant Ray E. Eubanks. Ray Eubanks is buried at Westveiw Cemetery, Kinston, North Carolina, next to his father and mother.
