Robert R. Ralston
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Navy
Robert R. Ralston enlisted in the Navy on July 23, 1940. As a Chief Machinist's Mate. He served in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
He was aboard the battleship USS Colorado (BB 45) in October of 1940, then on to the Navy Yard in Bremerton, Washington in December. He was transferred to the battleship USS Indiana (BB 58) later in December, and then on to the USS Hamul in December of 1942. He was transferred to the destroyer USS Rooks (DD 804) in June of 1944.
He entered Nagasaki, Japan on August 30, 1945 and Sasebo, Japan in September of 1945. He operated in the Sea of Japan and South China Sea during October, November, and December of 1945. His occupation service lasted until late December of 1945.
Mr. Ralston received the: Navy Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal with a star for a second award, Navy Expeditionary Medal (Iceland), American Defense Service Medal with "Fleet" clasp, European-African-Middle East Campaign Service Medal with 2 bronze battle stars, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Service Medal with 8 battle stars, Navy Occupation Service Medal (Japan), Philippine Liberation Medal, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, and the World War II Victory Medal.
He was discharged on July 24, 1946.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 261.
