World War II Honoree

Ralph L. Emmons

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Binghamton, New York

Honored By

Sharon O'Connor

Relationship

Niece

SERVED AS A PARATROOPER AND INTELLIGENCE STAFF OFFICER WITH THE 517TH PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT. SERVED IN SOUTHERN FRANCE, ROME-ARNO, ARDENNES AND CENTRAL EUROPE CAMPAIGNS. HE WAS WOUNDED IN ACTION IN FRANCE IN 1944, AND AFTER RETURNING TO DUTY WAS MORE SEVERELY WOUNDED IN THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE IN 1945. THE SECOND INJURY SHATTERED HIS RIGHT HIP, RESULTING IN MEDICAL DISCHARGE AND PERMANENT DISABILITY. AWARDED THE BRONZE STAR MEDAL, PURPLE HEART MEDAL WITH OAK LEAF CLUSTER, COMBAT INFANTRYMAN BADGE AND SEVERAL COMBAT RIBBONS.