Ralph Schulte enlisted in September 1942 and began an intensive course of study in aviation mechanics at the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command, Amarillo Army Air Field, Texas. He got his wings at Fort Myers, Florida in 1943 and was sent overseas. Arrived in England 30 August 1943. Assigned to the 100th Bomb Group/349th Bomb Squadron. On his first mission, he was Right Waist Gunner on board B-17 #42-30259 'Damifino II' on a 24 September 1943 practice flight to test PFF equipment and technique. Intercepted by enemy fighters and shot down. Ditched North Sea. Ralph was among the 5 men killed, 5 were rescued by Royal Navy torpedo boats and returned to duty. MACR 778. His body was never found and he is still listed as MIA (Missing In Action).