Guthrie County

 

Sgt. Ralph Richard Newman

 

 

Ralph Richard Newman was born July 24, 1923 to Clyde L. and Vera A. Tanner Newman. He died Dec. 16, 1944 and is buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, North Branch, IA.

Sgt. Newman served in World War II with the U.S. Army Co. C, 345th Infantry, 87th Division and was KIA in near Saarunion, France. While his organization was preparing to move out in the attack, Ralph was preparing his platoon for action, checking their ammunition supply, rations, etc. An enemy artillery shell landed in the midst of the platoon and Ralph was one of many killed instantly by the explosion. His commanding officer expressed, “Mingled emotions in my heart make it difficult to express the deep sorrow I feel for the loss of your husband, my friend, and my great pride for having been privileged to know him.”

Source: ancestry.com