VFW Auxiliary Veteran of the Year Raymond S.Casson

Tue, 11/08/2016 - 3:23pm — Diane Dyer

Raymond S. Casson was born November 30, 1938, in Lockport, Illinois, to Eliza Mae Orr Casson and Victor James Casson. He had one brother, Ronald Casson. Raymond married his wife in 1987, and they had three children, one stepson, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Raymond moved from Illinois to California in 1973 where he resided until he relocated to Morgantown, Kentucky in 1989.

Raymond joined the US Marine Corps in December of 1955 and served until April 1960. He went to boot camp in SanDiego, California then on to Marine Corps Infantry School in Camp Pendleton, Californa. After infantry training, Raymond trained din El-Toro to become an Air, Sea Search and Rescue Specialist.
Raymond was shipped to Oppama Japan where he served with the 1st Marine Battalion HMR Helicopter Air Sea Rescue. He was assigned to the USS Sealess Helicopter Medical Carrier where he flew countless missions into the Korea to rescue wounded and sick personnel. Raymond also during his tour of duty, flew missions of rescue in the country of the Philippines.
When Raymond returned to the United States, he was assigned to Helicopter and Maintenance 32nd and Marine Air and Ground 32nd. He was Honorably Discharged at the rank of corporal. He received the following ribbons and medals: Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, and a Sharpshooter Badge.
Following Raymond's time in service, he went to work in the medical supply field until the mid-1980's. He then went into the Aerospace and Research Field where he helped in making parts for the U S Military Missile Defense Program.