Ray served in the U.S. Army after World War II but was discharged for disciplinary reasons.

Following his early criminal activities, Ray enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1945, seeking a more structured life. However, he struggled with military discipline, facing charges such as drunkenness and breaking arrest. His inability to adapt led to a general discharge in 1948. This episode highlighted Ray's difficulty with authority and his restless nature, traits that would continue to define his life.