Ralph Norquist

Ralph D. Norquist, 90, of Chippewa Falls, died Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls.

He was born Dec. 1, 1920 in Thief River Falls, Minn. to Julia (Johnson) and Carl Norquist, the oldest of six brothers and sisters. Ralph grew up on the family dairy farm where he milked cows and delivered milk. After the family sold the farm they moved to Superior, Wis. He attended Central High School, Vocational School and later the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Ralph moved to Minneapolis and became a Steamfitter Apprentice on the railroad. When WW II broke out, Ralph left his job and enlisted in the Marines. After basic training, Ralph was shipped to the South Pacific with Company G, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines. Ralph saw major action in the island invasions of Bougainville, Guam and Iwo Jima, where he became sergeant. Ralph was wounded twice and received the Purple Heart. He also received the Silver Star for taking command of a rifle platoon and leading the men to finally eliminating a strongly fortified enemy position. Although he was wounded by shrapnel, he refused evacuation. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He also received the following awards: WW II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal, Presidential Unit Commendation Ribbon and the Navy/USCG Commendation Ribbon.