Bobbie Joe RatliffCorporalM CO, 3RD BN, 7TH MARINES, 1ST MARDIV United States Marine Corps 14 April 1946 - 19 June 1967 Gary, WV Panel 22E Line 017 |
 
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The database page for Bobbie Joe Ratliff
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To my brothers in arms, and especially my friends HN Joe F. Kelley , HM3 William Broad , and Cpl Bobbie Ratliff. I think of you all even though it has been 38 years. I remember seeing Joe and Bill in body bags on that fateful day on Operation DeSoto, my heart went numb and has been so since that day. Only the death of Mills Miller created a greater void in my life. I was in the Philippines when I read of the death of Bobbie, and again I wondered why I made it out alive. I wish you all were here with me, to laugh and retell the stories of by-gone days. I will join you someday, keep a rubber lady on a cot for me...
Doc Riddle |
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Bobbie Joe was my brother. He and I graduated from high school together. He was our star football and basketball player and voted most popular in his senior class. After high school he played football for Marshall University before joining the Marines. He had been in Vietnam for ten months, when he was taken off front-line duty to finish his tour and assigned to a supply detachment. Bob was taking supplies to the front lines when the AMTRAC he was riding hit a land mine at Quang Nam, Vietnam. He died of second and third degree burns. I have visited the Wall in DC. It was the most awesome feeling I have ever had. Only those who have walked up to that Wall can describe the feeling that comes over you. Through this website I have been contacted by fellow Marines who knew him well. Sgt. Blaine Smith came to visit me last summer. We had a wonderful visit. He brought me several pictures that he had of my brother. When he left he surprised me with a framed picture "Reflections". His visit helped us both to heal the hurt that Vietnam veterans and families feel so deeply. As the years have gone by my mother and dad have joined Bob in heaven and someday I too will see him again.
From his sister, |
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The point-of-contact for this memorial is his sister, Sarita Ratliff Dozier saritad@adelphia.net 02 Jun 2003 |
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 03/13/2004