World War II Honoree

Ralph Montalvo

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

San Antonio, Texas

Honored By

ISC Andrew Montalvo

Relationship

Son

STAFF SERGEANT. FIRST ASSIGNED TO THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD'S 36TH INFANTRY DIVISION AND THEN VOLUNTEERED FOR ASSIGNMENT TO THE NEWLY FORMED ARMY AIR CORPS. AFTER TRAINING IN TEXAS AND FLORIDA HE WAS ATTACHED TO THE 511TH SQUADRON OF THE 351ST BOMB GROUP. HIS SQUADRON WAS PART OF THE FAMOUS 8TH AIR FORCE THAT PARTICIPATED IN MANY MISSIONS OVER EUROPE. HE WAS A 50-CALIBER MACHINE GUNNER IN THE LEFT WAIST POSITION ON THE LEGENDARY B-17 FLYING FORTRESS DURING THE WAR. EARNED MANY DECORATIONS INCLUDING THE AIR MEDAL AND THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS.