About the Author

Ray is a member of the Cornell University "War Class of '43" where he trained in infantry tactics, later to serve in the USAAF, the subject of this five-star rated book Those Brave Crews. He is a member of the prestigious Authors Guild. Ray was editor of the University's Literary Quarterly and was a founder of the Cornell Radio Guild, student radio network, writing radio documentaries broadcast coast-to-coast on NBC and CBS. After WW II Ray continued his studies, graduating from the United States Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management conducted at the University of Delaware. He is a life member of the Association of Graduates United States Air Force Academy. Ward is listed as a pioneer helicopter pilot, prior to the end of hostilities having flown the first model Army helicopter, the R-4, displayed at the USAF Museum, Wright-Patterson AFB.

He first cut his teeth in journalism as a reporter of a country weekly that won first prize for its class among New York papers. He moved on to be acting bureau chief, employed by Gannett's oldest daily.

Ward served under three governors of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania during the Centennial of the Civil War. He interacted with the executive director of the State Museum in developing programs of interpretation, which involved multi-state cooperation. He received New York's Bronze Medallion, conferred by Bruce Catton, noted author and historian, then chairman of New York's Civil War Centennial Commission. United States Interior Secretary Conrad L. Wirth issued Ward a letter of commendation for management of major public events at National Battlefields and Cemeteries. Ray's relationship with the American Indian has earned him formal adoption.