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Ralph Dennis Mc New
Corporal
B CO, 1ST BN, 16TH INFANTRY, 1ST INF DIV, USARV Army of the United States Lily, Kentucky September 25, 1946 to February 28, 1967 RALPH D McNEW is on the Wall at Panel 15E, Line 121 |
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I was only 10 years old when Ralph was killed. I will never forget how shocked our community was to lose one of our own. Thirty-four years later, I still remember.
A memorial from a neighbor, |
7 Feb 2004 I'm Ralph's cousin and every year for the last 7 years I have traveled to The Vietnam War Memorial with my 5th grade class from Gainesville, Florida. It never fails to be an emotional time for me as I remember our childhood and the love that our entire family shared. Your mom and my dad, brother and sister, have passed on and I'm sure they have joined you in heaven. I love you and think of you often.
Your cousin, |
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My name is Shirley McNew Mattingly ... Ralph McNew was my brother. He has been gone for 37 years and it seems like it was yesterday. The hardest thing I have ever done was to lay my brother to rest. Not only was the family torn apart, the community was also. We've lost mom and dad, plus another brother, there are 6 of us left. At least I know where they are... They have gone to heaven to be with you. If the young people could see what our soldiers went through in Vietman they would give them more respect. I have three sons and they have all been in the service. My middle son is still in the service ... he looks a lot like Ralph. May God Bless all the families who had loved ones in Vietman.
From a loving sister who misses you very much, |
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I'm Ralph's niece. I was never born at the time of his death, but I have heard all the stories of my uncle, even the war stories he had in his letters. It took courage and guts to do what he did. Even though all I have is pictures I will never forget Ralph.
From his niece, |
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My name is Jordan D. Payne. I was not born when Ralph died. I'm only 17 as of right now, but I've heard my family talk about him. My mother (Pamela D. McNew) was very young, but does remember him. My aunt (Shirley McNew) knew him very well, she is his sister. They've told me many things about him, especially my Nana (Janice Howard). She informed me that he was a very good looking boy, which I can see, and how he was very determined, and serving in the Army was not a chore, but a choice. I'm only 17 but I highly respect all the soldiers that have served, especially since I've gained more interest about learning new things about Ralph. My boyfriend served in the Army and was over in Iraq, and he took me to see the Moving Wall. Even though I did not know Ralph, this had a huge impact on me and I started to cry. Standing in front of my Great-uncle's name, and knowing that he was watching over me was a great experience for me. I would like to know a lot more about my uncle, so if anybody could help me out please write to me at
My love goes out to Ralph and my family (Shirley McNew, Janice Howard, and another I found, Beverly Blanchard). I would like to try to get in contact with those who I don't know. I would love to know more ... THANKS!!!
From a greatniece, |
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I am a distant cousin of Ralph McNew. My mom is Shirley Sue McNew, daughter of John and Charity McNew. She and Ralph were the same age. She said she has very fond memories of visiting Ralph and his siblings when they were kids. Mom said Ralph was "such a nice young man, just so very nice." Mom found the memorial page after doing a "Google" search of Ralph's name. She wanted me to see his pictures, medals and service record. He was a very handsome young man - 20 years old - just a young boy! What a tragedy. When I visited Washington, DC a few years ago mom asked me to take a rubbing of Ralph's name. I have to say, I was overcome with emotion during my visit to The Wall. Even though I had never met Ralph, I felt overwhelming sadness for his loss. His name there in stone really hammered home the loss to his family - and his life, full of promise, that was cut short. All the names on that wall hold the same sad reality. My dad, SMSgt David R. Roby, USAF (Ret) was in Vietnam for 1 year when I was a baby. Thankfully, he came home to mom and me. My heart goes out to Ralph's close family who knew him, love him and miss him. Please know that he's not forgotten, even among relatives you don't even know you have!
From a cousin, |
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Ralph, just a note to let you know you are not forgotten. I think of you often, your friend and fellow veteran, Larry.
Larry Taylor |
A Note from The Virtual WallA Note from The Virtual WallOn 28 February 1967, while operating near Prek Klok, about 14 kilometers south-southwest of the Katum airfield, B/1/16 Infantry was attacked by a much larger enemy force. Twenty-five U. S. troops died in heavy fighting before a combination of air and artillery support relieved the beleaguered command. Platoon Sergeant Matthew Leonard received a posthumous Medal of Honor for his actions in rallying his outnumbered men and preventing even greater loss of life.The 25 men were
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