Ralph Elmer Strait
Military ROLL OF HONOURCrashed in poor visibility near Eastbourne on return from mission to Watten, FR on 2 Feb 1944 in B-24D #41-24282 'Ruth-less'. Killed in Action (KIA). Earlier 13-Nov-1943 crashed on mile east of base in B24#427647. 2 crew killed, 2 seriously injured and 6 suffered slight injuries. Strait was so injured that he was not expected to live through the night.
Strait, Ralph E., SSGT, 506th Bomb Squadron, 44th Bomb Group, died 2/2/44 at St. Marks Hospital, England, after crash at Eastbourne, Sussex, England, on return from operational mission occurring the same day, aircraft (“Ruth-Less”) received battle damage over Watten, France (Saluvia, PA)
Connections
See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.
Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group 506th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-424895
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group 506th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
Aircraft
Missions
- Date: 2 February 1944
- Date: 13 November 1943
Places
- Site type: Cemetery
- Known as: Cambridge American Military Cemetery
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Pathway
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Enlisted |
Baltimore, MD | 21 July 0142 | Baltimore, MD Enlistment Date: 21 Jul 1942 |
|
Born |
Needmore, PA | 13 August 1920 | Son of Esta Strait. |
|
Died |
Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK | 2 February 1944 | Crew member - Crashed into hillside due to poor visibility near Eastbourne, whilst trying to land at Friston ELG on return from mission to Watten, France on 2 Feb 44 in B-24D #4124282 'Ruth-less'. Killed in Action (KIA). MACR 6385. |
|
Buried |
3 February 1944 | Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, Cambridgeshire, England. Plot D Row 1 Grave 75 | |
| Saluvia, PA 17228, USA | |||
|
Based |
Shipdham | 2 February 1944 | Assigned to 506BS, 44BG, 8AF USAAF. |
|
Buried |
Sideling Hill Christian Church Cemetery, PA | Memorialised Sideling Hill Christian Church Cemetery Sipes Mill, Fulton County, PA |
Revisions
https://www.fold3.com/image/543649239
https://www.fold3.com/record/83785072-ralph-e-strait
https://www.fold3.com/record/529906831-ralph-e-strait
https://www.fold3.com/image/310763903?rec=299486096
https://www.fold3.com/image/118962549?rec=118962651
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75097342/ralph-elmer-strait
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56294709/ralph-elmer-strait
IDPF and/or crash report researched by Bill Beigel. IDPF donated to American Air Museum by Bill Beigel. For more information about this flyer, you may contact http://ww2research.com.
Combat Chronology Supplement p. 223-224, 44th Bomb Group Roll of Honor and Casualties, pp. 151, 202-203, 8th AF Losses Vol 2, Losses of 8th & 9th AFs Vol I by Bishop & Hey p. 371 / Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia