Remembering A WWII American Hero …Ralph Givens

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Posted by: Steve Hardwick
Date: Mar 17 2024 12:49 PM

On this day 6 years ago…2018
I had the honor of meeting Ralph Givens ..An American Hero

Mr. Givens at 102 years old went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 19, 2022.

I’m so thankful I was able to preserve a little bit of history by recording Mr. Givens telling his experiences during WWII.

I will never ever forget that very special day

Mr. Givens was born and reared in Henry County, near Headland, son of the late Wyatt Isaiah Givens and Leola Florence O’Daniels Givens. He was a 1940 graduate of Newville High School. In 1942, he enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corps and served his country during World War II where he flew a C-47 aircraft. Mr. Givens served in New Guinea, Mandated Islands, Bismarck Archipelago and the Philippine Islands. He was awarded the Air Medal with 4 Oakleaf Clusters, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with 4 Bronze Stars and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Mr. Givens served as a Deacon in the First Baptist Church of Headland and was a member of the Jack Bridges Sunday School Class. He served on the video committee for many years. Mr. Givens was selected as Headland’s Man of the Year in 1995. He was a senior member of the Headland Kiwanis Club and a charter member of the Headland Country Club. Mr. Givens was a licensed private pilot and model airplane builder. He retired from Miles Ford Tractor Company in the parts department. In earlier years, he was employed by Walden Motor Company in Headland as Service Manager from 1955 until 1979. Mr. Givens was admired by many people for his kind spirit and his optimism and he was greatly loved by all his family.

WE OWE OUR WORLD WAR II VETERANS A DEBT THAT WE CAN NEVER FULLY REPAY

I’m literally almost speechless from being in the presence of an American Hero 

What an honor!!!

Ralph Givens who was awarded not one but two Distinguished Flying Crosses ( which is awarded to those who served in the US Military for heroism or distinguished service ) and also the Air Metal ( The medal was created in 1942 and is awarded for single acts of heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight) for his service to our country during WWII flying paratroopers in to battle against the Japanese in the Pacific Islands.

Mr. Givens will be 99 in August and has more energy and a better memory than I do at 59!!!

When he told me that This Cake made his day and hugged me I almost started crying. To be hugged by a man like him has to feel almost like being hugged by God himself.
I will never ever forget this very special day
I Love you Ralph Givens

—Steve Hardwick

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