Ralph served as a Sergeant, 831st Bomber Squadron, 485th Bomber Group, Heavy, U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

He resided in Tom Green County, Texas and had previously been in the Army prior to the war.

He re-enlisted in the Army on September 26, 1942 in San Antonio, Texas. He was noted, at the time of his enlistment, as being employed as a Electrician and also as Married.

Ralph was a passenger on the S.S. Paul Hamilton (Hull Number 227).

On her fifth voyage the S.S. Paul Hamilton left Hampton Roads, Virginia on April 2, 1944 as part of convoy UGS 38, carrying supplies and the ground personnel of the 485th Bombardment Group and the 5th Reconnaissance Group of the United States Army Air Forces to Italy.

On the evening of April 20th the Hamilton and other ships in the convoy were attacked 30 miles (48 km) in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Cape Bengut near Algiers by 23 German Ju 88 bombers.

One aerial torpedo struck the Paul Hamilton and detonated the cargo of high explosives and bombs, and the ship and crew disappeared within 30 seconds. A total of approximately 580 men where lost.

Ralph was declared "Missing In Action" in this sinking during the war.

He was awarded the Purple Heart.

His remains were not recovered.

Service # 6275548

( Bio by: Russ Pickett )

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The U.S.S. Lansdale (DD-426) and the S.S. Royal Star were also sunk in this attack.
The Lansdale had a loss of Forty-seven officers and men.
The Royal Star lost only one member of their crew.

The Lansdale received four battle stars for World War II service.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Previously added to Find A Grave,
source unknown:

Inducted From: Texas
Rank: Sergeant
Combat Organization: 831st Bomber Squadron 485th Bomber
Monument: North Africa
Last Known Status: Missing
U.S. Awards: Purple Heart Medal

Along with Purple Heart:
American Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
And his unit was 485th Bomber Group, Heavy, 831st Bomber Squadron

Ralph served as a Sergeant, 831st Bomber Squadron, 485th Bomber Group, Heavy, U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.

He resided in Tom Green County, Texas and had previously been in the Army prior to the war.

He re-enlisted in the Army on September 26, 1942 in San Antonio, Texas. He was noted, at the time of his enlistment, as being employed as a Electrician and also as Married.

Ralph was a passenger on the S.S. Paul Hamilton (Hull Number 227).

On her fifth voyage the S.S. Paul Hamilton left Hampton Roads, Virginia on April 2, 1944 as part of convoy UGS 38, carrying supplies and the ground personnel of the 485th Bombardment Group and the 5th Reconnaissance Group of the United States Army Air Forces to Italy.

On the evening of April 20th the Hamilton and other ships in the convoy were attacked 30 miles (48 km) in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Cape Bengut near Algiers by 23 German Ju 88 bombers.

One aerial torpedo struck the Paul Hamilton and detonated the cargo of high explosives and bombs, and the ship and crew disappeared within 30 seconds. A total of approximately 580 men where lost.

Ralph was declared "Missing In Action" in this sinking during the war.

He was awarded the Purple Heart.

His remains were not recovered.

Service # 6275548

( Bio by: Russ Pickett )

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The U.S.S. Lansdale (DD-426) and the S.S. Royal Star were also sunk in this attack.
The Lansdale had a loss of Forty-seven officers and men.
The Royal Star lost only one member of their crew.

The Lansdale received four battle stars for World War II service.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Previously added to Find A Grave,
source unknown:

Inducted From: Texas
Rank: Sergeant
Combat Organization: 831st Bomber Squadron 485th Bomber
Monument: North Africa
Last Known Status: Missing
U.S. Awards: Purple Heart Medal

Along with Purple Heart:
American Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
And his unit was 485th Bomber Group, Heavy, 831st Bomber Squadron