Database 83rd Infantry Division

Ralph L Renfroe (O-539137)

Name Renfroe, Ralph L
Rank Second Lieutenant
Army Serial # O-539137
State Alabama
Date of death 1945-01-15
Plot, Row, Grave G, 5, 49
Cemetery Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery, Henri-Chapelle, Belgium , Google Maps
Role MOS 1542 Infantry Unit Commander
Unit F Company, 329th Infantry Regiment, 83rd Infantry Division
Awards Soldiers Medal Purple Heart
Additional information
Second Lieutenant Ralph Renfroe was a member of F Company. The morning report for January 3, 1943 lists him joining F Company, 329th, from HQ 92nd Replacement Battalion. The morning report for January 21, 1945, lists him as missing in action and the morning report for January 23, 1945 lists his status changed from missing in action to killed in action. The relevant pages can be seen below.

In 2012 I received a new picture from Breet Popwell, Ralph Renfroe's great nephew, which can be seen below. This picture of Ralph Lamar Renfroe, from his graduation at the University of Alabama was found at USGenWeb Archives.

The commendation for the Soldier's Medal was also provided for by Breet Popwell and reads as follows:

Award of Soldier's Medal (posthumous)...The Soldier's Medal is to be awarded posthumously to the following:

SECOND LIEUTENANT RALPH L. RENFROE, 0539137, Infantry, 329th Infantry, United States Army. For distinguishing himself by heroism on 14 January 1945, in Belgium. During a counter-attack all of the enemy infantry were killed or captured and an enemy tank was set on fire by rocket launcher fire. The assistant driver of the vehicle was trapped and could not get out. With complete disregard for his own safety, Lieutenant Renfroe rushed to the flaming tank and extricated the wounded German and dragged him to safety. The outstanding courage and humanity of this officer exemplifies the highest traditions of the armed forces of the United States. Entered military service from Alabama. Residence: 615 Windsor Avenue, Montgomery, Alabama
Morning reports
1945-01-03 2LT Assigned and joined from 92nd Replacement Battalion as of January 2, 1945 1542 F / 329 view page
1945-01-21 2LT Missing in action as of January 15, 1945 1542 F / 329 view page
1945-01-23 2LT Killed in action on January 15, 1945 1542 F / 329 view page