Raymond and Richard Enners grew up in Farmingdale. They were just a few years apart. Both were student-athletes in high school and both attended West Point.
After Richard, who now resides in Bedford, New Hampshire, received his honorable discharge, he enjoyed a successful business career with companies in the U.S., Canada and Japan. Raymond was killed in Vietnam. Heart of Gray is a new book that is Richard’s tribute to his older brother.
The brothers played lacrosse at Half Hollow Hills High School. The school district had not been divided yet into the current east and west schools. Both continued to excel at the game at West Point.
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Photo: Former Half Hollows Hills East High School athlete James C. Metzger and the school's varsity boys lacrosse coach Gordon Hodgson recently met with Heart of Gray author Richard Enners.
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During his senior year, Raymond Enners was named an NCAA All-American. Slightly more than a year later, he became a casualty of the war in Vietnam. On September 18, 1968, demonstrating selflessness and leadership, Lieutenant Enners rescued a wounded soldier and then led an assault on an enemy position that cost him his life.
“We were born of the same parents, bred the same values, attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, played Division I intercollegiate lacrosse and served in the army,” said Richard Enners. “When my brother departed for South Vietnam, my mom and dad quietly supported him. We all did. It was his choice. Like so many soldiers, it’s what Ray wanted to do—to serve our nation.”
Heart of Gray reveals how West Point and its values of “Duty, Honor, Country” influenced Raymond Enners. The author explains the rigorous training that provided his brother with the confidence and courage to face life-threatening situations.
“It was a long time coming,” said Enners about the book. “It was time to honor my brother, Ray, not only for his acts of valor in battle but it was my way of thanking him for his encouragement and inspiration that made me a better athlete, husband, father and leader.
The word “gray” that appears in the title of the book is a West Point symbol of pride and honor that dates back to the early 1800s when the color gray was approved for cadet uniforms. Raymond Enners embraced this tradition during his time at the academy and during his brief service to the country.
Published by Acclaim Press, the book also can be purchased on Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com.
Awards Honoring Raymond Enners
Soon after his death, the Lt. Ray Enners Award was created by the Suffolk County Boys Lacrosse Coaches Association. It has been awarded each year to the outstanding county high school lacrosse player. The award exemplifies courage, teamwork, skill and leadership.
James C. Metzger, a Half Hollow Hills East High School graduate, received the 1977 award. Metzger now owns The Whitmore Group, a leading insurance brokerage and financial services firm headquartered in Garden City, and he recently invited Richard Enners to return to Long Island to meet with coaches and administrators of the local high school community. Among the coaches in attendance was Gordon Hodgson, varsity boys lacrosse coach at Half Hollows Hills East High School. Rob Pannell, Metzger's nephew, also attended the event. The former Smithtown High School student-athlete and Cornell University lacrosse All-American is a two-time recipient (2011 and 2013) of another award named in tribute to Raymond Enners. The Lt. Raymond Enners Award is presented annually to the NCAA’s most outstanding player in men’s college lacrosse.
To ensure that Raymond Enners’ contributions to lacrosse, community and country continue to inspire and influence future generations, Metzger is delivering copies of Heart of Gray to all the public high school lacrosse coaches in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Copies of the book also will be provided to school administrators. The book also will be sent to the coaches and administrators in the Catholic High School Lacrosse League.
“My hope,” said Metzger, “is that everyone who reads Heart of Gray will share with others the ideals cherished by Lt. Raymond Enners.”