R. M. Whitter, ex-POW
Dies In Orleans Crash

Ray M. Witter, Oaks Corners, 28-year-old veteran of World War II and former Nazi prisoner, died at 7:10 a.m. today at Clifton Springs Sanitarium, 10 and one-half hours after his car left Warner Hill Rd. at Orleans and crashed over a 10-foot embankment.
   Dr. Charles J. Bobeek, Ontario County coroner, said Witte died of crushing chest injuries and a fractured jaw.  He was the father of three girls.
   Deputy Sheriff James Furnal said White apparently lost control of his car as he drove down the hill about 8:15 p.m. Wednesday.
   His death was the 17th traffic fatality in Ontario county this year, as compared to 19 for the same period in 1952.
   Witter, a paratrooper during the war, served with Headquarters Company, 508th Parachute Company [sic], in the European Theatre of War.
   He entered service Nov., 2, 1943 and was discharged with the rank of corporal, Aug 13, 1945.
   Witter was with the Allied Airborne Army's drive preparatory to the invasion of Germany when he was wounded in the right arm Sept. 20 1944 in Holland.  He was taken prisoner by the Nazi the next day and remained their captive nine months.
   Among decorations and citations given Witter were: Middle Eastern Service Ribbon with one bronze star, Combat Infantryman Badge, Purple Heart, American Theatre ribbon, World War II  Victory ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and overseas bar.
   Witter was born Aug 8, 1925 in Canandaigua [NY].  He was a member of the Methodist Church Canandaigua.  He was head meat cutter at Loblaws in Newark.
   Funeral will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Kennedy Funeral Chapel, Bristol St, The Rev. Ellroy B. VanDyke, pastor of the Methodist Church, will officiate.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.  A Military service will be conducted by the American Legion.
   Friends may call from 3 to 9 p.m. tomorrow and from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday.
   survivors are his wife, Mary Cullick Witter, Oaks Corners; three daughters, Michaelle, Marcia Ann and Lynn Marie Witter, all at home; his mother, Mildred I. Squire, S. Main St; his father, Ray e. Witter, Jefferson Ave.; a brother, Richard L., Witter, Canandaigua; two sisters, Mrs. Francis Yerkes, Canandaigua, and Mrs. Roy Ross, Rochester; several nieces and nephews.  [PDF]

[courtesy of Paul Sutton Kamalsky]

Grave marker for Ray M. Witter in Woodlawn Cemetery, Canandaigua (Ontario county), New York,

Ray enlisted in the Army at Rochester, NY on 12 October 1943.  Following basic training and jump school, Pvt Witter was sent to the 11th Replacement Depot in England. 

On 10 August 1944, Pvt Witter was transferred to the Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 508th in Nottingham.

Pvt Witter jumped into the area of Nijmegen, Holland on 17 September 1944 and was wounded in action three days later.  He was captured and held as a prisoner of war until he was liberated from Stalag 9C Bad Sulza Saxe-Weimar 51-11, perhaps as late as 12 June 1945.