03/31/2026
For years before we ever worked together, I’d run into Sonny Ray from time to time and always thought of him as one of the most interesting people I knew. He could talk your ear off about just about anything. There never seemed to be a subject he didn’t have insight on, and he always had a story to go with it (especially Army stories).
A few weeks ago, his wife, Sherry, invited me to attend a Silver Star Medal ceremony in his honor at The Citadel. I knew Sonny had served in Vietnam and was well respected, but I didn’t really know what he did in the Army or fully grasp the depth of his service.
Reading the account of his actions and hearing others speak about him was incredibly moving. Included in the attachments, you’ll find a summary of his service, as well as a summary of what occurred under his command on November, 18th 1971, for which he was awarded the Silver Star. I encourage you to read it all and check out Live5's interview with Sonny linked at the bottom, but I’ll summarize what I learned.
Growing up, we’ve all seen television and movie portrayals of leaders in war: the ones who lead from the front, who put themselves in harm’s way for their men, and who carry themselves with courage, integrity, and unwavering resolve to accomplish the mission and bring their men home. They are the commanders others trust with their lives, rally around, and follow without hesitation. The guy you rooted for - who rose in the ranks and, by the end of the movie, you wanted to be like.
That’s not just a character you see in movies. That is what LTC Lloyd C. “Sonny” Ray did in the Army.
I am honored to have had the opportunity to attend his Silver Star presentation and to hear his story. I am grateful to know and work with both Sonny and Sherry. If you see him around, you’ll likely find a humble man in a T-shirt and worn jeans, eager to talk, walking his little black dog. That’s Sonny - but it’s only part of the story.
He is also someone who has earned a tremendous amount of respect.
It was an honor to be there, Sonny.
https://www.live5news.com/2026/03/26/lowcountry-us-army-vietnam-veteran-honored-with-silver-star-medal/
