World War II Honoree

Ralph T. Bethards

Branch of Service

U.S. Army

Hometown

Birmingham, Michigan

Honored By

Gary Thede

Relationship

Neighbor

SERVED 1942-1945 IN FRANCE AND GERMANY AS AN INFANTRYMAN WITH EASY COMPANY, 71ST DIVISION, 5TH REGIMENT OF PATTON'S 7TH ARMY. HIS UNIT RELIEVED A DIVISION OF THE 82ND AIRBORNE AND HE WAS WOUNDED AT THE DANUBE RIVER DURING THE PUSH INTO GERMANY. WAS TREATED IN PARIS AND RETURNED HOME VIA ENGLAND. AWARDED THE PURPLE HEART.