1st LT Ralph Duemling HML-167

http://www.popasmoke.com/kia/incidents.php?incident_id=139

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I met Ralph in November 1969 when I was recovering from shrapnel wounds at the Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan. We became good friends. When we returned to Vietnam, I commanded Mike Company 3rd Bn, 5th Marines and Ralph would sneak out to spend some time in the bush with us. I used to kid him about living in the rear in an air conditioned hut. On several occations, he would show up in his Huey and take me for unauthorized recon flights. He was a first class individual, a professional Marine Officer, and a devoted man to his wife and son. I think of him often. Semper Fi Devil Dog! Capt. Ranson J. Pelt USMC India and Mike Companies 3/5 69-70 submitted by Amy Underwood

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I went to flight school with Ralph and considered him one of my dearest friends. He and Nancy (and their two white dogs) used to grace our house frequently. I lost about two dozen friends and fellow fliers over there, but Ralph’s death always did, and still does hurt the worst. Some twenty years ago I wrote a song about Ralph and the son he never knew. Watching my son and grandsons I have often thought about what he missed.