Project 888
Name: Raymond James BARRA
Rank / Rating: CGM-Chief Gunner’s MateService #: 382 23 78 DOB: Jul 31, 1922 From: St. Louis, Missouri Parents: Mr and Mrs James Barra Went Aboard: Oct 22, 1940 Age When Ship Went Down: 22 years, 11 months, 30 days Spouse: Lupita Peregrina Barra Children: Cathleen Rae Barra Grandchildren: Bio Submitted By: Patricia Stephens (Admin) |
 BARRA, Raymond J |
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Chief Gunner’s Mate Barra was born on July 31, 1922 in St. Louis, Missouri. His enlistment date in the US Navy was August 6, 1940. He joined the crew of USS Indianapolis on October 22, 1940.
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| Raymond James Barra’s story is about the dedication of a talented young man who enlisted in the United States Navy at age 18. He enlisted prior to the United State’s participation in World War II. In fact, Raymond served onboard USS Indianapolis (CA-35) for over one year prior to the December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. In total, at the time of Indianapolis’ sinking on July 30, 1945, he had served on board Indianapolis for a total of almost five years. A detailed review of the ship’s Muster Roll documentation shows that Raymond steadily progressed through the rates and achieved the following advancements during his tenure aboard Indy: - 22 Oct 1940 - Rate when received on board: AS (Apprentice Seaman) - 6 Dec 1940 - Advanced to Sea2c (Seaman Second Class) - 6 Jun 1941 - Advanced to Sea1c (Seaman First Class) - 31 Oct 1941 - Advanced to GM3c (Gunner’s Mate Third Class) - 1 July 1942 - Advanced to GM2c (Gunner’s Mate Second Class) - 1 April 1943 - Advanced to GM1c (Gunner’s Mate First Class) - 1 Sept 1944 - Advanced to CGM (AA)(T) (Chief Gunner’s Mate Acting Appointment Temporary) - 14 June 1945 - Advanced to CGM (Chief Gunner’s Mate) Raymond’s progression in rate and rating was remarkable for such a young man. In less than 5 years in the United States Navy, Raymond Barra progressed from a Apprentice Seaman to CGM (Chief Gunner’s Mate). He achieved the CGM rating just weeks before the July 30, 1945 sinking. Diligent and dedicated searches for a photo of Raymond in a Chief Petty Officer uniform have failed. Given that he had just been advanced to CGM in the month prior to the sinking; it appears that the photo of Raymond from his early Seaman days on board Indianapolis is the only known photo available of him in Navy Uniform. The Muster Rolls documentation does describe two hospitalizations for Raymond during his tenure on board Indy. The documentation includes references to seven other crew members who were transferred to USN Mobile Hospital #2. While not definitive, it perhaps could imply that there was a common on board incident which occurred and injured Raymond and other sailors. Raymond Barra’s advancement records in conjunction with two hospitalizations obviously represent a hard worker who was intelligent and dedicated to his service. He did not allow illness/injury to deter him. He came aboard at age 18 (a mere child) and became a man and leader with tremendous responsibilities for his crew members and he accomplished all of this over one month prior to his 23rd birthday. In addition to being a faithful sailor, he was a father. Raymond married Lupita Peregrina Barra of Redwood City, CA. The date of the marriage is unknown but likely in 1945. About four months after Raymond's death, Lupita gave birth to a baby girl - Cathleen Rae Barra. She was christened May 4, 1946 at age 6 mos. Cathleen's grandmother, Mrs. James Barra of Los Angeles, CA, attended the christening to see her granddaughter for the first time. Maternal grandparents, Mr and Mrs Madeo Peregrina of Red wood City, CA, were present also for the christening. You and your family are not forgotten! | |
Redwood City Tribune, (CA), Thu, Mar 7, 1946, p. 5; citing Christening of Cathleen Rae Barra
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