[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.