On the road

On the road

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Honor Flight DFW profiles and interviews


Ralph was inducted into the U.S.Army on May 25, 1942 at the age of 22. After training Ralph was assigned to the Army Air Corps.
Ralph’s specialty was radio operator/ gunner. He soon found himself serving in the Aleutian Islands, in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
The Japanese actually landed on American soil early in the war. The islands of Kiska, and Attu were actually occupied for a time. The Aleutians were a strategic jumping off point for the Japanese. It was thought that the land bases would be perfect for the eventual attacks on the American west coast.
Ralph’s missions were anti-submarine patrol, and also air-sea rescue. It was known however, that if a pilot found himself in the frigid waters of the region, the chances were slim that he would survive the cold.
Ralph attained the rank of PFC. He received the Asiatic-Pacific Theater medal with two bronze stars. He also was awarded the Air Offensive Aleutian Islands Anti-Submarine wings. He also was the recipient of the good conduct medal.
He was discharged from the military on October 29, 1945.

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