WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL - PFC Ralph Herbert Mehring

 

PFC RALPH HERBERT MEHRING

The son of Carl F. and Mary (Bohn) Mehring, Ralph attended Defiance High School and worked as an usher/ ticket-taker at the Valentine Theater in his teen years. He was confirmed from St. Paul Lutheran in 1935 and the third of eight children in his close family. In 1940, he lived with his oldest brother, William and wife, Jessabelle and their children while he worked at the theater.

He was drafted on March 5, 1941, and entered Company M, 3rd Battalion, 26th Infantry Division. His training took him to Fort Benning, Georgia and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. 

He headed for North Africa, specifically, Oran, Algeria. They needed to use this French territory to keep it from use by the Axis powers.

The invasion, Operation Torch, began on November 8, 1942. Ralph's part was in the infantry which was landing in Oran's harbor and then circling the town and gaining control.

An official description of the day -

"The 26th Infantry Regiment, under the command of Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt (not the President) executed an amphibious landing at Les Andalouse near Oran, Algeria on November 8, 1942, as part of Operation Torch. They faced Vichy French forces. The 3rd Battalion came under artillery fire as it approached the objective for the day. That may be when PFC Mehring was killed. He was one of the first Americans killed in the war against Nazi Germany and her Vichy accomplices."

Landing at Oran

Our troops met with constant gunfire, and it was not a win for the Allies.

Born on June 27, 1919, he died on the first day of Operation Torch. His family was so dedicated to him. After Ralph's death, his brother, William became a consistent blood donor to Red Cross, donating whenever he was permitted.  His family placed a memorial in the newspaper on his death date every year for at least 27 more years.

"In Loving Memory of Pvt. First Class Ralph H. Mehring, killed in action, Nov. 8, 1942

It's been 27 years ago, dear Ralph

Since God has taken you away.

For we didn't know when you were leaving

That you would not return.

That you, in death, so soon would sleep,

And leave us all to mourn.

Oh, how it hurts that we have lost you.

No one will ever know=

Our hearts are fille with sorrow

And time will never take your memories from us.

Sadly missed by Father, Carl Mehring, brothers  William, Raymond, Victor, Paul and Nelson; sisters - Mrs. Robert (Joan) Johnson, Mrs. Robert (Irene) Smith, and Mrs. James (Dorothy) Vosher

Defiance Crescent- News, November 8, 1969

Ralph received the Purple Heart, American Theater medal, and the European Theater medal with one star. He was brought home and laid to rest in Riverside Cemetery.

Dianne Kline, Researcher