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Personal info

Full name
HALTER, Ralph Lee
Date of birth
21 December 1916
Age
27
Place of birth
New Berlin, Sangamon County, Illinois
Hometown
Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois

Military service

Service number
O-689312
Rank
First Lieutenant
Function
Pilot
Unit
601st Bombardment Squadron,
398th Bombardment Group, Heavy
Awards
Distinquished Flying Cross,
Purple Heart,
Air Medal

Death

Status
Killed in Action
Date of death
18 June 1944
Place of death
Fleestedt- Seevetal, Germany

Grave

Cemetery
American War Cemetery Ardennes
Plot Row Grave
D 15 10

Immediate family

Members
John H. Halter (father)
Clara A. Halter (mother)
Jacob H. Halter (brother)
Paul I. Halter (brother)
Elsie K. Halter (sister)
Anna E. Halter (sister)
Nellie A. Halter (sister)
Mildred A. Halter (sister)
Mary C. (Hughes) Halter (wife)

Plane data

Serial number
42-97626
Data
Type: B17G
Destination: Hamburg, Germany
MACR: 5996

More information

1st Lt Ralph L. Halter attended Springfield High School.

I was flying at about 24.000 ft in the ball turret of ship 7217U wich was lead ship ship of high squadron, high group. After we bombed the target at Hamburg, Germany trough an intense flak area. I saw ship 7026Q the lead ship of the wing formation hit by flag behind us. One engine in the trailing edge of the left wing. Almost immediately he feathered his no 1 prop and pulled out of formation to the left. The prop was not completely feathered when the left wing crimpled and put the ship in a intense spin and a few seconds later blew up beyond recognition. Among the debris I observed 1 chute but did not see a body.

Source of information: Michel Beckers, Terry Hirsch, WWII Draft Card
Photo source: Jac Engels, Arie-Jan van Hees, Pilot Class Book 43-H, Waco, Texas, Daily Illinois State Journal - 5 September 1943, Springfield High School, 1932, Daily Illinois State Journal - 9 July 1944