Ralph was already in the US Army on December 7, 1941. He was in the Infantry and stationed at Camp Forrest in Tennessee. He had joined the Army on March 5, 1941 at the age of 19.
His job during the war was that of 1st Gunner, squad leader of a mortar unit, section leader and platoon sergeant.
Ralph was assigned to Company I of the 132rd Infantry regiment of the famed Americal Division. The Americal Division was formed on May 27, 1942 in New Caledonia. This division was in combat for 600 days in campaigns such as the Northern Solomon Islands and Southern Philippines.
His wartime experiences included the assault n Mt Austen on Guadalcanal and leading recon patrols in the dense jungles of Bougainville.
Ralph was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic action during combat in April 1944 on Bougainville against the Japanese.
He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was discharged in June, 1944.
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