Ralph M. Knox was a World War II veteran who survived the Bataan Death March and died on Tuesday in his front yard. Read about him below and see some photos.
Ralph M. Knox
Ralph Knox was a bit of a living legend in his home town of Williamston, South Carolina. When he was just 20 years old, he was captured by the Japanese. He survived the infamous Bataan Death March and 42 months in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp. While he was imprisoned he dropped from 175 to 89 pounds.
After the war, he returned home with a Bronze Star and Purple Heart and went on with his life. Just a few years ago he wrote a book about his experiences in the war (see photo below). The on Tuesday morning, the 86-year-old Knox died of exposure in his front yard in South Carolina.
Apparently, he collapsed in his yard, near his front door. No one knows why he collapsed, but neighbors report hearing someone calling out during the night. When they investigated outside, they failed to see Knox. He was found dead in his yard on Tuesday morning. He died of exposure during the very cold night.
Ralph M. Knox - Photos
November 27th, 2008 at 1:08 am
Well, Beth, yes this is a sad end to a life of a man who did his duty and served his country, family, and, presumably, his faith.
It is depressing to think of the dwindling number of WWII vets. My Dad died in 1981 at 65. He participated in the invasion of Africa, and then went from Corsica, to Marseilles, and up the Rhone Valley as commander of an anti-aircraft squadron. I’ve read his reports.
For much of the sixities, I regularly helped my Mom, who was a member of the Ladies Auxilliary of the VFW, with Summer picnics that we gave for Vets from WWI who had been disabled by mustard gas and shell shock, living in our regional VA hospital facility. I played cards with the guys, and talked with them about what they wanted to remember.
Otherwise, I grew up in a generation just after Vietnam when there was no peril to confront, and I give thanks even for that. The problem is that almost three generations now have grown up without an awareness of the sufferings of war. Even Vietnam and Korea really didn’t have an impact on the homefront.
My students now are totally oblivious to suffering. Totally. I try to warn them, and for some it sinks in.
It’s all so easy to take our freedom and security and prosperity for granted.
On this Thanksgiving, I pray that God reminds us all of the good things we enjoy.
God bless, Beth, to you and yours, and your readers.
D. Ox