Orville Alfred Ralston
American flying ace
Died when: 48 years 112 days (579 months)Star Sign: Virgo
Lieutenant Orville Alfred Ralston (September 9, 1894 – December 30, 1942) was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.He returned to service for World War II, only to die in a B-17 crash.
Ralston joined the United States Army Air Service after attending Peru State College, only to be attached to the Royal Air Force for seasoning in combat.
He flew a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a in "Mick" Mannock's flight of 85 Squadron, and gained his first two victories there, destroying a Fokker D.VII each on July 24 and August 22, 1918.
He then returned to American aviation, becoming a Sopwith Camel pilot with the 148th Aero Squadron.He teamed with fellow ace Elliott White Springs and two other pilots for his next win, and then independently destroyed two more D.VIIs—one each on September 26 and October 3, 1918.
Ralston was finally awarded a Distinguished Service Cross in 1921.
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