Ralph Robert Wensinger

West Point, 1959

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by John Wensinger on May 11, 2002:

A TRIBUTE TO OUR SON One of the terrible ironies of war is that all too frequently fine young men die because of the possession of virtues, which had they lived, would have brought them greatness. That same dedication to God and country, which would have lifted them above the common run of men, instead brought them to an all-too-early death . . . . So it was with our son Ralph . . . . The love of country and devotion to duty, which would have brought him success as a career Air Force officer, prompted him to volunteer for that most hazardous of all flying assignments in the war zone -- front line low-level reconnaissance over enemy territory. His untimely death on a solo night patrol ended what would have been a brilliant career. Ralph was a perfect gentleman in the traditional sense of the term. He was decent, considerate and thoughtful of others. These fine traits, combined with his natural leadership qualities and his buoyant love of life, made him outstanding at West Point and later among his comrades in the Air Force. He was a fine son, a loving brother, a devoted father and a skilled, courageous flyer; loved, admired and respected by all. His life was short, but during that brief span of time he accomplished so much, so well, that he made an everlasting impression in the hearts and minds of all of us who knew and loved him. Ralph left the world inestimably richer for his presence. May he rest in peace.

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