1/31/1968
SSgt Ralph Thomas Berry was killed on 31 January 1968. SSgt Berry was assigned to the 303rd Munition Maintenance Squadron, 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force, Republic of Vietnam. SSgt Berry was inside the unit’s bunker near control tower at Bien Hoa Air Base, Bien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam, when the bunker took a direct hit from a 122mm rocket. The rocket’s warhead exploded upon impact with the bunker, but the rocket’s motor penetrated the bunker killing SSgt Berry. SSgt Berry received multiple extreme injuries. SSgt Berry was awarded the Purple Heart Medal posthumously. Also killed in the same attack were CPT Reginald Victor Maisey, USAF, SSgt William Authur Berry, USAF, SGT James Brian DesRochers, USAF SP5 William Joseph Steffes, USA, and A1C Edward Grady Muse, USAF.
Additional Facts: Service Number: AF18-468-644; Age: 37; Born: 30 May 1930, Los Angeles, California; Hometown: Escondido, California; Tour Started: 10 August 1967; Vietnam Memorial: Panel 35E Row 86; Buried: Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California, Section: Q, Site: 1535.
*This bio was researched and authored by SGM Mike R.Vining, USA (Retired). Please send any additional information and/or corrections to the author of this bio by email: sgmmvining@gmail.com. The EOD Warrior Foundation is not responsible for the accuracy of the information in bio.