THE WALL OF FACES

Some may think you are forgotten
Though on earth you are no more
But in our memory you are with us
As you always were before….

Dear SSgt Ralph Mitchell, Thank you for your service as a Food Service Specialist. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Halloween; it is All Saints’ Day when we remember you. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear SSGT Ralph Burton Mitchell, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

RALPH BURTON MITCHELL

United States Army



"Burt" had a turbulent childhood from the time he was born in Washington, D.C., on July 29, 1935. He had two brothers and three sisters. A child in the social welfare program in the social welfare program in the state of Maryland, 12-year-old Burt was placed in the home of Prentiss and Sara Waddell of Poolesville, a small town located on the Potomac River northwest of the nation's capital. He pursued his studies in the area, eventually graduating from Poolesville High School.

"He was a sincere and honest young man," Charles Waddell, his foster brother, remembered. "When my parents later moved to Gettysburg in 1956, Burt called it home with my family."

After a stint of several years with the United States Army as a cook, Burt left the service to pursue a civilian career as a chef. He worked at a number of well-known Gettysburg restaurants, including the Plaza - where he was a chef for four years - and the Varsity Diner.

In 1960, he decided to go back into the armed forces, and chose to re-enlist in the Army. He traveled to many military posts throughout the United States and overseas, including Carlisle Barracks, (where he was the chef for the commandant of the post) the Korean Peninsula, West Germany and Alaska. On his 30th birthday, Burt marries Ruby Mae Williams of Gettysburg on July 29, 1965, and then began his first tour of Vietnam when he traveled to the country on April 10, 1969.

After one full year, he took a leave of absence and then embarked on his second fateful, final tour in Vietnam. He died on August 7, 1970 at Cu Chi, north of Saigon. At the time of his death, the 35-year-old was serving as a member of Battery B, 5th Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery, II Field Force.

Burt is interred in the Gettysburg National Cemetery Annex. His name is listed on Panel 8 West, Line 91.



Thanks to Wayne E. Motts, military history researcher for the above info.

Ralph, Although we never met, I just want you to know you are not forgotten. You gave the ultimate sacrifice, your life for what you believed in. Sleep well my friend, and thank you for protecting the freedoms we enjoy today.