She Called Him Raymond: A True Story of Love, Loss, Faith and Healing

by Ray O'Conor

A letter penned in 1944 uncovers the powerful and heartfelt story of Helen Gregg, the daughter of Irish immigrant parents who grew up in the miseries of Hell’s Kitchen during the Great Depression, and Clarence Raymond Stephenson, a young aspiring B-17 pilot raised in the small, struggling city of Ironton, Ohio. Fate brings them together in New York’s Central Park in 1942. From the moment their eyes first met, they knew their lives would never be the same.

This captivating and poignant story of their struggles and romance, his exploits as a highly decorated B-17 pilot during World War II, and the tragedy that tears them apart, will inspire you while tugging at your heart.

With sensitivity and grace, Ray O’Conor reveals a secret about the dashing and brave young aviator who stole Helen’s heart, and he divulges a promise that Helen made to Raymond in the summer of 1942 that she had to keep, no matter how long or how hard it might be to fulfill.

Theirs is a compelling story of two ordinary people who led extraordinary lives during the most tumultuous period in history.

Genres: Nonfiction

228 pages, Hardcover

First published May 8, 2015

About the author

Ray O’Conor has been a weekly newspaper columnist and author of articles and opinion pieces published in several newspapers and magazines. His work as an author of narrative non-fiction has been the subject of stories and articles nationwide across broadcast, print and digital media.

James Bradley, #1 NY Times Best Selling Author of Flags of Our Fathers and The China Mirage, says about She Called Him Raymond, "Ray O'Conor abandoned his career to search for his namesake, a heroic B-17 pilot who died in World War II. What he found touches the heart and stirs the soul."

Ray left his position as a bank CEO and senior officer of a publicly traded company to pursue his writing career. He also served as a Special Agent with the United States Department of Defense.

Ray has a lifetime of involvement with many charitable causes and community based organizations. Among other recognitions, he was named a General Mills’ “Wheaties Everyday Champion”, is the recipient of the Distinguished Leadership Award by the National Association for Community Leadership, the American Bar Association’s Liberty Bell Award, the Centennial Good Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ National Community Action Award.

His avocation is mountain climbing.

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a half stars. I literally spent all day reading this book. No only is O'Conor a wonderful writer but the story weaves itself in such a way that you can put it down.

[Charlie Newfell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding true story of hardship, loss, young love, family and the impact of WWII on two typical American families. Touching and well written.

Highly recommended!

[Randy Eveland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I had to finish in one setting. A truly magnificent history of LOVE

Ray O'Conors book is quite simply a one of a kind love story, journey back in time to the depression and WWII plus some side bars of a time when we were deeply divided racially. BUT, above all else, it is a timeless love story beyond compare. A love that goes beyond a grave. A love that shows that love really is what life is all about. Thanks is simply not enough but language only goes so far. Blessings upon you Ray O'Conor. I was driven, tears and all, to complete this in one setting.

[Patrick Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A labor of love by the author and a uniquely American tale. It's an exploration into a slice of the author's life that was hidden from him. His quest to learn about a step father he never knew is compelling and the heroes he meets on the way are an interesting group of America's "greatest generation". It's a short, well written book that strikes a chord with many. I enjoyed it immensely.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for my book club last month and thought it was a very touching story. During the book club meeting via Zoom, the author graciously joined us for over an hour and answered questions and added insight that wasn’t in the book. We are so grateful to him so if you see this Ray O’Conor, the Bayshore Baptist book club says Thank you!

[Debbi Wraga · Rating 5 out of 5]

A one of a kind love story that will touch your heart and move your soul. A must read that you will not want to put down and will read over and over. This book should be made into a movie.

[Sue]

True family story by local author.

[Amy Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a heartfelt and lovely story based on true lives and events. I grew up in the same town as the main character so it was recommended to me that I read this book. I often don’t read biographies because of the style of how it’s written but the story was thorough and professionally written. Near the end of the book, I was turning page after page wanting to know the next turn of events. I think what I loved the most about it was that it wasn’t what I expected and that there is something truly romantic and timeless about the sweethearts of the World War II Era.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was wrong. I guessed where this book was going - what the story was about. I wasn't too far off, but, it does make a big difference. Late in the book, when I realized I was wrong, the writing became much more than it had been. I had previously decided the writing was only okay, not even good. In the end, I decided the author knew how to reel me in. (It still irks me that people get paid to write using bad grammar.)

I do look forward to meeting Mr. O'Conor at Booktopia.

[Lorenza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This outstanding novel eloquently brings together historical aspects of WWII and timeless romance. The author does an excellent job of capturing the sentiments felt by the characters from start to finish and writes in a very relatable way that causes the reader to feel connected to the two lovers. I highly recommend this book to every kind of reader who wants to enjoy a heart felt love story.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is amazing story and one that everyone should read. Knowing the story behind the book makes it very special.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Helen and her husband, WWII pilot, Raymond and their beautiful but brief love story.

[Kelly Kurposka · Rating 5 out of 5]

"'I've waited long enough to share this story with you. But, you have to promise me that this will stay just between you and me.'"