OTD 1972: Raymond Seaborg killed in Laos during attack by N. Vietnamese Army against Laotian guerrillas
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Ray graduated from @WSUPullman in 1965 w BS in Police Science. He was active in a fraternity & 2 national honor societies.
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@WSUPullman 1965-1969: Ray joined @USMC as an engineering specialist. He was honorably discharged as a Captain after 2 tours in Viet Nam.
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@WSUPullman @USMC 1970: Ray joined CIA as ops officer trainee w Special Operations Group in Directorate for Plans, now Directorate of Operations.
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After a year of orientation & intensive operational training, Ray was assigned to Vientiane, Laos in July 1971, & later Nam Yu.
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Along w his ops officer duties, Ray also helped w logistics management, air relief ops, training, & reports officer duties.
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26 SEPT 1972: Ray was coordinating movement of CIA-supported Special Forces guerrilla battalion into forward position N. Laos.
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Ray’s unit was blocking N Vietnamese Army (NVA) movement against Laotian forces when they came under heavy fire.
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Due to poor weather, breakdown in comms, & darkness, Ray had to remain overnight in the exposed outpost in enemy infested area.
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Early morning, 27 SEPT (1972):
Ray’s outpost came under enemy attack by North Vietnamese Army troops.
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Firing intensified as enemy mounted a ground attack, but Ray remained in a trench protecting & aiding wounded Laotian fighters.
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Friendly reinforcements were expected, but combat units trying to come to Ray’s rescue were unable to reach the area in time.
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Ray’s position was struck by a rocket that landed & exploded directly in front of him. He died instantly.
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Raymond Seaborg was 30 years old. He was first American known to have lost his life in ground fighting in Laos since 1969.
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Ray was posthumously awarded our Intelligence Star for his selfless courage & sacrifice.
bit.ly/2y8socH
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