Ralph was born in Georgia on October 22, 1922. He enlisted in the Army on June 5, 1942 at Fort McPherson, Georgia. His service number was 14119900. He married Opal Lee Moore in Louisiana in November 1942. He attended aerial gunnery training at Tyndall, Florida. As an aircrew member in 719th Squadron, 449th Bomb Group Heavy, 15th Air Force, he departed for Grotagilie, Italy on January 19, 1945 arriving in Italy on January 27, 1945. He was a member of Toiro J. Rosander Crew. He departed Italy on May 15, 1945 for the US arriving May 25, 1945. Ralph was discharged on October 16, 1945 at Sioux Falls AAF, SD. Ralph (my father) passed away in Houston, TX in 1989 and is buried in Chatham County, Georgia. Ralph never talked much about his experiences during the war, but the one story I remember is one in which he received a wound in his lip during a mission. He told me that it was so cold that it did not bleed much and that he sewed it up with a needle and thread. Ralph was a Sargent at his discharge. I would appreciate any contact from others who may have know Ralph and/or information about missions he flew and the aircraft in which he flew.
Ronald R Anderson
Columbia, MO
