Ray O. Hargis was born on February 3, 1923, in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. He was the son of Andrew Jackson Hargis and Velma Louise Crow Hargis. He was married to Annette Hayes Hargis. He served in the 700th Bomber Squadron, 445th Bomber Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Navigator of the B-24 #4129306 'K for King' during World War II.

On April 22, 1944, the aircraft was struck by anti-aircraft fire during a bombing mission over Hamm, Germany. It sustained damage from German anti-aircraft fire (flak) and possibly fighters, ultimately crashing near Spiere-Helkijn during its return flight. Several crew members were killed, and others were captured or evaded.

2Lt Hargis was eventually captured by the Germans after spending a month with the French underground and was held at Stalag Luft 3 in Sagan-Silesia, Bavaria. After the war, he earned a veterinary degree from Texas A&M and worked as a large animal vet and later as a state veterinarian. 2Lt Hargis died on April 14, 2017, and is now buried in the American Cemetery, Natchitoches, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, USA.

Source of information: www.tracesofwar.com, www.blanchardstdenisfuneralhome.com