Delbert Daniel Rasey was born on September 2, 1908 in Webber Falls, Oklahoma. He was the son of Charles Norbird Rasey and Sallie E. Rasey. Delbert served in the 535th Bomber Squadron, 381st Bomber Group (Heavy) as a Staff Sergeant and Assistant Engineer/Waist Gunner on the B-17 #42-29923 "Lucky Strike" during World War II. On January 4, 1944, his aircraft, having been battle damaged on a bombing mission to Kiel, Germany, ran out of gas and crash landed in Cawston, Norfolk, England, while returning to base. Lt. Kraut and Sergeant Rivera (his crewmates) were fatally injured. The eight remaining crew members (including SSGT Rasey) survived.

SSGT Rasey was honorably discharged from the military on June 21, 1945. He died at the age of 37, on November 21, 1945 in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. He is now buried in the Buffington Cemetery, Sallisaw, Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, USA.