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Chavez was a quartermaster stationed at Pearl Harbor at the time of the Japanese attack on Hawaii that had unleashed America's entry into World War II in 1941.
He lived in Poway, California, with his family, but grew in importance in recent years as he toured the country attending commemorative and commemorative ceremonies. Earlier this year, he met with President Donald Trump at the Oval Office before Memorial Day.
"Ray was honored to have served his country, to fight between heroes and to have enjoyed meeting his comrades," said his family in a statement. "He loved going to talk to kids in schools because he did not want them to forget about Pearl Harbor."
He saw burning ships and smoke all around
Chavez was born in San Bernardino, California and grew up in San Diego. He joined the Navy encouraged by his wife.
"I was married at that time and my wife encouraged me because she loved the Navy and that she was more or less a Navy woman." She wanted me to Join the community, and then at the end of the war, she wanted me to stay in the navy, but I already had too much war and I went out, "he told CNN in May.
On the morning of December 7, Chavez was assigned to a minesweeper, the Condor, who, while patrolling, detects a Japanese submarine in restricted waters nearby before returning to port.
"I had told my wife that I did not want to be awake because I had spent all night outside and I was very tired and wanted to sleep a bit," Chavez said. "After seeing the beginning of the war, she went to call me and I could not believe what she was telling me, and after she begs me to get up, let's see." I finally broke down and went up, and of course, she was right. "
"And so, (there was) all the burning ships, and a dreadful smoke screen all over the harbor, covering it, and the ships, all the adjacent area," he recalled.
After the attack, Chavez served on a transport ship called LeSalle that brought soldiers to several battles on Pacific islands, including Okinawa and Guadalcanal.
When asked how often he thought about his day and his military service, Chavez told CNN: "Every day, and no hysterical or nasty thoughts about it." It was awesome. never goes away, everything you see and learn. "
For Chavez, the most important lesson he has learned from his service is the "discipline" and pleasure he derives from the company of his fellow soldiers.
"It's a pleasure to meet new people and enjoy their company, and that's what happened to me," he said.
Joe Sutton of CNN contributed to this report.
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