Halter Ralph Lee

Name:

Ralph Lee Halter

Rank:

First Lieutenant

Serial Number:

O-689312

Unit:

601st Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy

Date of Death:

1944-06-18

State:

Illinois

Cemetery:

Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial, Neuville-en-Condroz, Arrondissement de Ličge, Ličge, Belgium

Plot:

D

Row:

15

Grave:

10

Decoration:

Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart

Comments:

Ralph Lee Halter was born on December 21, 1916, in New Berlin, Sangamon County, Illinois. He was the son of John Henry Halter and Clara Ann Behl Halter. He served in the 601st Bomber Squadron, 398th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a First Lieutenant and Pilot of B-17 #42-97626 during World War II.

On June 18, 1944, Contrary Mary participated in a bombing mission targeting Hamburg, Germany. During the mission, the aircraft was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire (flak), which ignited the No. 1 engine. The resulting damage caused the left wing to detach, leading to the aircraft's disintegration in mid-air. The wreckage crashed near Fleestedt, southeast of Harburg, Germany. Seven were killed in action, and three survived as prisoners of war.

1Lt Halter was Killed in Action and is now buried in the Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial, Neuville-en-Condroz, Arrondissement de Ličge, Ličge, Belgium. Ralph L. Halter's name is inscribed on the Anstey Window Memorial in Panel 2 (center), on Butterfly 21, in the top left wing (section A).

Source of information:www.americanairmuseum.com, www.398th.org