Tribute to Ralph Alton
Co. M,
382nd Infantry Regiment
by William (Bill) Hill
Ralph Alton hailed from
Bruceville, Indiana. He was drafted into
the Army and took his basic training in Camp
Blanding, Florida. After returning home he received
advance training at Ft Ord, California, Oahu, Hawaiian
Islands, and Saipan. He joined the 96th
Division Deadeyes in April of 1945 on Okinawa, as an 18
year old. He served his country in combat with M. Co,
382nd regiment until American forces secured that
island. He was then shipped to Mindoro, Philippine Islands, where he
reenlisted. Upon the death of his father he was discharged in
early 1946.
He was awarded the Bronze Star, Asian
Pacific Campaign Medal with one battle
star, Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, The Good
Conduct Medal, and the most prestigious award; the Combat
Infantry Badge. With the division; he earned the highest award
a unit can have; The Presidential Unit Citation.
He was employed in the Steel Industry in Gary Indiana
as a shop foreman, and retired with a full pension with 25
years of service.
Ralph and I met in basic training in
Camp Blanding, Florida, and were foxhole buddies
on Okinawa. We were separated when he reenlisted. Ralph
came to my wedding in 1946, and we attended one Deadeye
reunion together. We met with our wives, one weekend in
Nashville, Tennessee with a mutual buddy; William
Anderson.
More details of our association are
covered in the memoirs; ?Blue Star in the Window? in the story
section of the online site: http://www.rememberthedeadeyes.com/
In many ways we were opposites by
nature, but we were true Army buddies. He suffered his last
few years with cancer I will always miss his laughter and our
old stories we shared on the phone.
 |
In Loving
Memory
RALPH M.
ALTON
Born
Saturday, July 10,
1
9
26
Passed
Away
Wednesday,
September 30, 2009
Services Held
At
Morgan Funeral
Chapel
October 3,
2009
1:00
PM |