Heart of Gray

Heart of Gray was written to honor the life of 1Lt. Raymond J. Enners who, after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, served his country with the Americal Division in Vietnam, where he was killed in the line of duty at the age of twenty-two.

A natural leader, Ray was a world-class football and lacrosse player who won honors in high school and later won honors playing lacrosse at West Point. Today, the USILA annually presents the First LT. Raymond J. Enners Award for the best intercollegiate lacrosse player in the nation-some call it the Heisman Trophy of lacrosse.

Heart of Gray presents a gripping account of his distinguished life…from his formative high school years, through his cadet life at West Point where he honed his leadership skills, to the events leading to his death in the paddy fields of Vietnam where he earned the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest award for valor.

Written by his younger brother Rich, who is also a West Point graduate, Heart of Gray embodies the ideals of Duty, Honor, Country learned by every member of the Long Gray Line—a code that Ray Enners embraced and is still being taught to future leaders of America’s military.

Heart of Gray  Author Tells the Story of His Brave Brother Who Sacrificed All

The recent guest speaker for the American Legion Post 256 is also a member of the Post and author of the book Heart of Gray. Richard Enners wrote the book to honor the life of his older brother, 1Lt Raymond J. Enners, who after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, served his country with the Americal Division in Vietnam, where he was killed in the line of duty at the age of twenty-two. Heart of Gray is a riveting narrative of a leader-warrior who chose the “harder right instead of the easier wrong” when on 18 September 1968 in a brutal firefight near Xã Ky Mao, Quảng Ngãi Province he rescued a wounded squad leader ten meters from the NVA position then led his platoon into the thicket, giving his life in the process. For his actions he received the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest award for valor. Heart of Gray takes you on a journey of selflessness and sacrifice—a journey of how 1Lt Enners’ rigorous military training provided the confidence and courage to face life threatening situations. Heart of Gray is not only a story of combat … it’s a leadership guide highlighting the role character and values play in influencing others.  For further information or to purchase a signed book contact Richard Enners at renners2929@aol.com. Net proceeds will be donated to the American Legion Post 256.

For additional information about Post 256 go to:  www.TellicoLakePost256.org

Endorsements for Heart of Gray

The very core of leadership is character. Throughout Heart of Gray, you will experience character at its finest, from the roots of Ray’s youth to his values-based leadership approach on the fields of battle.
— Mike Krzyzewski, Head Coach, Duke University Men’s Basketball
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Heart of Gray pays tribute to the exceptional life and leader development of US Army 1^st Lieutenant Ray Enners. It highlights the noble character and values that made him a selfless and courageous servant leader of the first order and an American Hero.
— Joseph M. DePinto, West Point Class of 1986, President and CEO, 7-Eleven, Inc.
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Lieutenant Ray Enners epitomizes what it means to be a leader of character and to “choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.” Heart of Gray wonderfully captures LT Enners’ courage and life of selfless service to others and to country. His life of duty, and honor, and country will inspire future generations and all who read his story to renewed levels of selfless service and sacrifice to each other and to our Nation.
— Robert L. Caslen, Jr., USMA Class of 1975
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This book is not just about a great man. It is about a great man we knew and loved. Ray was the embodiment of character, values and leadership. To read about him is to read about the best West Point has to offer. Ray inspired everyone who knew him and he lives on in the hearts of all who loved him. This book honors him.
— Tom Schwartz, General, USA (Retired), USMA Class of 1967
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Richard Enners’ Heart of Gray is an inspiring tribute to his brother, Lieutenant Raymond Enners. What sets this memoir apart is how Enners connects the cadet experience at the United States Military Academy, and its inculcation of the warrior ethos, to the heroism his brother demonstrated in the crucible of combat during the Tet Offensive. This moving book conjures up the spirit of his brother, as well as so many others from The Long Gray Line who have given their lives in service to their country.
— Siobhan Fallon, Author, You Know When the Men are Gone
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Success in all team sports relies on great leadership and supporting the concept of TEAM by contributing to something greater than yourself. Lt. Raymond Enners embodied these values on the playing field and in life. “Heart of Gray” reveals Lt. Enners’ exceptional characteristics through his heroic actions and daily life. A truly inspirational story and legacy.
— Chuck Mitrano, former President, United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association and Empire 8 Commissioner
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The story of Raymond Enners is an inspiring illustration of how commitment and duty to others learned through athletics, family, and education captures the essence of great leadership evolving through selflessness, dedication, and humility. The life lessons learned by Raymond Enners through participation in athletics are compelling in his actions of bravery and heroism as he made the ultimate sacrifice for his team. Heart of Gray provides a true appreciation of the special person that Raymond Enners became during his lifetime.
— George Searing, President, Suffolk County Lacrosse Coaches Association
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Heart of Gray is an appropriate read for anyone interested in learning more about inspirational leadership and living life with a purpose. Iggy Enners was a living example of the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.
— Kevin W. Farrell, Colonel USA Ret., Former Chief of Military History, West Point
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This is not just another story of military life or the consequences of a highly disputed war but more of the gift of Leadership and Trust developed by Iggy Enners during his years at West Point and put into motion in Viet Nam. Gripping in recreation of Lt. Enners and his platoons “search and clear” missions to the emotional return and burial at West Point. Life lessons in leadership styles and putting “self” last a key component to the narrative. Enjoy the read!!
— Bob Goodale
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[Heart of Gray] is an excellent book, and well-written, emotionally engaging, and an ultimately inspiring story, despite the tragic ending.
– Jim Reilly USMA Class 1967