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, 1 926
Passed Away
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Services Held At
Morgan Funeral Chapel
October 3, 2009
1:00 PM