From the front lines to 100: A WWII veteran's journey
On his 20th birthday, Lawrence Ralston knew that his small beginnings as a son of a farmer were no comparison to the war he faced.
Fighting in the 20th Infantry during World War II in Germany, Ralston said that his mind was already made up on not returning back home. So, he would fight with everything in him to make his service count.
I had been drafted and then (went) on to basic training in Texas,' Ralston said. 'We knew that we were going to Germany because everything pointed to there. I prepared myself to not be coming back.'
Ralston recalls his first combat mission taking place on his 20th birthday in 1944, but more than that he remembers the many men that lost their lives, men who he says shouldn't have.
'I remember at first we were being attacked in battle, they pulled back and then they started again,' Ralston said. 'The rest of the battle was basically over, so much of our work involved trying to clear towns.'
With less than 70,000 Americans remaining of the 16. 4 million who served in World War II, the opportunity for veterans of this time to share their stories are few and far between. Making the choice to give up his life, Ralston recalls what being in the military meant for him.
'Well, it's a terrific honor for me to be in the service,' Ralston said. 'If I were younger, I would still attempt to do the same thing because America was a wonderful country.'
After the war, Ralston returned to his farming roots and went on to sell sewing machines, a career that spanned nearly 70 years. Today, he enjoys life at an independent living facility in St. Joseph.
'I don't know how to put this into words but I just appreciate we did,' Ralston said. 'We were in a lot of trouble there and we still may be now, but I believe the good Lord will stop it.
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© 2025 the St. Joseph News-Press
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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