Ralph V. Booth – Private to Sergeant

Served with distinction in the Hq1 Light Machine Gun Platoon from March 12, 1943 to November 24, 1945.

Ralph Booth was a courageous soldier, a respected leader, loyal comrade and a cherished friend.  Ralph was a distinguished member of the “Greatest of the Greatest Generation.” 

Ralph Booth died February 13, 1998. Donna, his beloved wife, and his WW II comrades provided information for this summary.

Ralph Booth was born November 3, 1922 in New Albion, NY. Like many children of the depression, Ralph left school in his teens to help support his family. He worked as a farmhand and then enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). In the CCC, he worked with road construction gangs and as a cook. 

Ralph was honorably discharged from the CCC on June 10, 1941. His experience with the CCC and the disciplines he practiced enhanced his transition to military life and accomplishments therein.   

Ralph enlisted in the Army on November 20, 1942.  He completed basic infantry training, and volunteered for airborne training. Upon qualification as a parachutist, Ralph was sent to Camp Mackall, NC as a replacement for the 508^th Parachute Infantry Regiment (508^th PIR). He was  assigned to the Hq1 Light Machine Gun Platoon. During the following months, he participated in arduous infantry training, and hazardous parachute operations.

 In December 1943, the 508^th PIR left port in New York, joined a convoy, and sailed to Europe. Eleven days later, Ralph landed in Belfast, Ireland.   

After orientations were conducted on local customs, “blackout” regulations and rationing, a training schedule was implemented. Mostly physical training to restore muscles lost during the sea voyage, and weapons firing.  Finally, the 508^th PIR moved to Nottingham, England.  Almost immediately, a vigorous training schedule was implemented. It included several night parachute jumps and many field exercises. The little time the Hq1 men had available for recreation was spent in the City of Nottingham, a ten-minute walk from the 508^th PIR encampment. Nottingham.