Raymond Anthony Jankowski Jr.

Raymond Anthony Jankowski, Jr., a proud veteran of the United States Army, passed away on October 26, 2023. The son of Raymond Anthony Jankowski Sr. and Zora Jankowski (deceased) Ray was born on December 14, 1941 in Cleveland, Ohio. At the age of 22, Ray enlisted in the US Army. He valued this service highly and attained the officer rank of captain. As part of his service in Vietnam, he received many commendations and awards, including a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with an Oak Leaf Cluster, another Bronze Star, an Air Medal, an Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and a Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 device. Ray received his Silver Star on January 29, 1966 for Gallantry in action. Ray was a 2nd Lieutenant and distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as artillery forward observer during a search and destroy mission near Bong Son, Republic of Vietnam. As Ray’s company approached a village, they received intense Viet Cong fire and sustained numerous casualties. To better control the adjustment of artillery fire, Ray moved across an open rice paddy through the hostile fire to the foremost company position. Realizing that the company commander was wounded and evacuated, Ray assumed command and successfully led an assault across a river and into the village. Through his unimpeachable courage and outstanding leadership, the company successfully neutralized the Viet Cong force and secured their objective. Ray’s extraordinary heroism against a hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflected great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Ray is survived by his wife, Karley Ann and stepchildren, Jennifer (grandchildren, Skylar, Gavin and Westin), Jami (Jon, grandchildren, Grace, Paxton, Iris and Arlo), Brad (Natasha, grandchild, Kyle), son, William Paul (Kim), daughter, Natalie Kay (Rick Mace, grandchildren, Stefan, Nik, Katharina and Christof), sister, Dawn Anne (Gregory Hiti), niece, Sandra (Kurt, children Daniel and Katherine), brother, Matthew J (deceased) nephew, Matt (Andrea) and Tim. Brother, Jonathan P.

Services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 1:00 PM.