[WOMEN] -- [MILITARIA]. Collection of commendations and ephemera associated with Mrs. Bettye Campbell Ray (1937-2022), Department of the Navy. Ca 1950s-1970s.

Small archive consisting of the following: one (1) 8 x 10 black and white photograph of an African American woman set to receive a set of papers from a male, unidentified but with "Official U.S. Navy Photograph" on verso; two documents from November 1959 associated with an "Award Recommendation for Superior Accomplishment" presented to Bettye D. Campbell; "Department of the Navy / Bureau of Naval Weapons / Certificate of Commendation" for Bettye D. Campbell, 1 March 1960; a "Letter of Appreciation" to Mrs. Betty [sic] C. Ray from "Air-500C," 5 December 1977; and a "Letter of Commendation" for Mrs. Bettye Ray from Assistant Commander for Material Acquisition, 11 May 1978.

Bettye Delores Campbell Ray was born in Wilmington, North Carolina, but spent most of her life residing in Washington, D.C. Her career with the Department of the Navy appears to have started as a young woman in her twenties and lasted more than twenty-years. Ray's Naval commendations cite her as a "self starter" possessing a positive attitude, dedication to her work, and valuable knowledge all of which helped her achieve outstanding results. Mid-twentieth century military commendations for women are scarce at auction, particularly for an African American woman. Ray is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Freeman's I Hindman strives to describe historic materials in a manner that is respectful to all communities, providing descriptive contexts for objects where possible. The nature of historical ephemera is such that some material may represent positions, language, values, and stereotypes that are not consistent with the current values and practices at Freeman's I Hindman.

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Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera and Photography, Featuring African Americana

[WOMEN] -- [MILITARIA]. Collection of commendations and ephemera associated with Mrs. Bettye Campbell Ray (1937-2022), Department of the Navy. Ca 1950s-1970s.

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