THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from those who knew you are touching and reflect their admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

Ralph was the best man at my wedding March 16, 1968. I met him and his a few of his Navy buddies from IIT at a friends house. One was my future husband Bob. It broke our hearts when we heard of his death in Vietnam. I'd have to dig through years of pictures, but when I do, I will post it.

I knew Ralph at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He and my brother were 2 years ahead of me, and Ralph was Navy ROTC, while my brother was AF ROTC. I was in Angel Flight, a coed auxiliary to AF ROTC's honorary Arnold Air Society. Ralph's girlfriend (and later wife), Bonita was also in Angel Flight. So we all hung around together for shared ROTC events on campus, and for the annual ROTC Military Ball.

One odd thing is to see him listed here as Ralph Peter; at IIT he was Ralph Pierre Dupont. He was a Psychology and Education major, and he and my AF ROTC boyfriend often lead some deep late-night discussion/debates. They had graduated and moved out of state, and I was still at IIT when he and Bonita married. They were well-matched.

I was heartbroken for Bonita, when I heard that Ralph died in the war. He was an officer and a gentleman. Unlike many of the anti-war protesters on campus, Ralph was a true American Patriot, who served his country to protect our way of life. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Dear Lt Ralph Dupont,
Thank you for your service as an Unrestricted Line Officer (Surface Warfare). Independence Day is approaching, and we remember your sacrifice. We remember all you who gave their all. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

LT Ralph P. Dupont Jr. was the senior U.S. Navy advisor to the 21ST RVN Coastal Group in Quin Nhon, RVN. On May 16, 1972, LT Dupont was “blown out of boat by enemy fire, presumed drowned” in a hostile fire incident in Binh Dinh Province, RVN. His remains were recovered and reportedly were buried at sea. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Terry Harrell (December 2001) at vvmf.org]