Memorial services for Ralph Johnson will be held on Saturday August 13, 2011 at 11 A.M. at Union Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Mary D’alessio officiating. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday August 16, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. with the Rev. Henry Chisham officiating, Davis-Morris Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Ralph F. Johnson was born on 12 Nov. 1919 in East Sweeden, Texas to Charles and Mary Ellea Johnson. His parents were stock farmers in McCulloch County, Texas. He was raised on a farm in the East Sweden community along with two sisters and one brother. Ralph attended East Sweden schools and later he enlisted in the U.S. Army, entering active service on 27 August 1940. After basic training at Camp Bullis, Texas he was transferred to Fort Sam Houston, Texas where he was assigned to Co. A, 2nd combat engineer Battalion. Co. A received extensive training for about two years along with other units of the 2nd Army at Fort Sam Houston.
After Omaha was secured, Johnson’s unit, Co. A, 2nd Batalion opened holes in hedgerows, cleared mine fields, built bridges and did other engineering works in the American drive toward Germany. They went through Normandy, northern France, Belgium and Germany until the war ended. They saw action at Brest, St. Lo, Paris and other French towns and St. Vith, Belgium. They went to Germany to remove obstacles in the Siegfried Line. While in Germany S/Sgt Johnson was hit by Germany shrapnel.
For his service Johnson was awarded The Victory Medal; Good Conduct Medal; American Theater Medal; American Defense Service Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with 3 bronze stars. He was awarded the Purple Heart Medal 21 November 1944 for his wounds in Belgium. He was discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. While in hospital in El Paso, with a cast on his leg, and unable to use crutches, he was married to Betty Ruth Knight. She claimed he said he couldn’t run, but they lived together for 59 years until her death in January 2005. The Johnsons farmed in McCulloch County, Texas until 1970 when he retired.
Ralph F. Johnson is survived by his daughter; Karone Penn; 1 granddaughter, Marlene Martin; 1 grandson, Michael Penn; 8 Great-grandchildren; Rockell Tobias, Courtney Penn, Cassandra Penn, Bryan II Penn, Christopher Penn, Zachary Penn, Shay Sherbon, and Harley Martin. And 1 sister, Geneva Albritton. He is preceded in death by his wife; Betty Ruth Johnson, 2 grandsons Bryan and Brent; 1 sister, Charlotte McCartney; and 1 brother, Eugene Johnson. Condolences may be left for the family at www.davismorrisfuneralhome.com
