Print plaque Printing Tips

World War II Honoree

World War II Veteran

Ralph W. Whikehart

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Friends of American Heroes

Branch Seal
Activity During WWII

HE JOINED THE ARMY AIR FORCES AS AN AVIATION CADET SHORTLY AFTER PEARL HARBOR AND BECAME A LEAD BOMBARDIER WITH THE 445TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP, 8TH AIR FORCE, BASED IN ENGLAND. AMONG THE FIRST B-24 BOMBARDIERS TO DROP BOMBS ON BERLIN. ON HIS 18TH MISSION OVER NORTHERN FRANCE, HE WAS SEVERELY WOUNDED WHEN THE NOSE OF HIS BOMBER WAS BLOWN OFF. HIS PLANE LIMPED BACK TO ENGLAND AND CRASH-LANDED AT A B-17 BASE. HE RECEIVED THE SILVER STAR FOR GALLANTRY IN ACTION AND A PURPLE HEART.