Ralph Allan Vitch

	Photo from "Vietnam: One Week's Dead", LIFE Magazine Vol. 66, No. 25 June 27, 1969

The database page for Ralph Allan Vitch

31 May 2004 Ralph, it's Memorial Day 2004. Just wanted to say thank you. Bob 28 May 2005 Ralph, thanks again on this Memorial Day 2005, for your sacrifice to your country. It seems they lost one of my remembrances of you, maybe the one about the gasparilla parade. What a hoot! I found out on this site that you have a son. Congratulations. I bet he couldn't be prouder of his dad. Rest in peace, my friend. 26 May 2006 Ralph, just thinking about you today. I can't believe it has been 37 years since you were killed in that stupid war. I'm going to see my shrink at the V.A. hospital today and we will probably talk about you a lot. Rest in peace, buddy. Your friend Bob. 28 May 2007 Ralph, I was just thinking about you again on this Memorial Day weekend. I made my first trip to the Wall, in November with my brother. I made a rubbing of your name as well as some other friends of mine who didn't come home. It was a very emotional encounter, but something I felt I needed to do. I think of you often, my friend. Bob From his brother-in-arms, Bob Wooldridge 101bob@verizon.net

20 Jan 2005 According to those who served with him Ralph Vitch was the eternal optimist. As a gentle, sensitive young man some would say that Ralph did not belong on the field of battle and in fact he held a job in the company rear for a while. However when the time came in the midst of battle Ralph fought like the soldier he was trained to be. More than that he fought with bravery and aggression as he got the best of an NVA machine gunner in a one-on-one exchange of fire. He then chased an enemy soldier out of a bunker and shot him dead. One clean shot from a sniper's rifle struck Ralph, mortally wounding him. Ralph is remembered fondly by those with whom he served. Rest in peace, Eagle Brother. From a Screaming Eagle researcher, Roger Ables redleg101@charter.net

30 Mar 2005 My dear brother, you are sorely missed. Not a day goes by that you are not thought of and in this your spirit felt within my son. Thank you for watching over us all. Love always, John. From his brother and friend, John A Vitch johnallenvitch@aol.com

20 Jun 2006 Ralph, I talked with your father Sunday to wish him Happy Father's Day. He has not forgotten you and never stopped loving you. He will be 90 years old this August and tells me your son is the living image of you. I am so sorry that it took me so long to find out who I really am, and so sorry that your brother died so young. Your sister Helen has married "an Irishman" and lives in Ireland now. Your cousins Charlotte and Rita remember you with love and we all deeply regret your valiant death. Your loving aunt, Ann peltoann@msn.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall Alpha Company, 1/501st Infantry, lost two men on 25 May 1969, SP4 Ralph A. Vitch and CPL Mario Lamelza of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 1 Jun 2004
Last updated 08/10/2009