Ralph William Ely, III, passed away November 26, 2024, at home as he was held in the arms of his wife, Kathleen (Saunders) Ely who talked to him through his transition. Ralph was born October 17, 1945, to parents Ralph William Ely, Jr., and Florence (Spencer) Ely.
Ralph displayed various abilities throughout his life. He retired respected and trusted as a crane operator IUOE Local 0478. Well known throughout the area, he and his father provided wood products at their R. Ely Sawmill. For years Ralph entertained many fair goers with his trophy winning doodlebugs. Ralph was a generous man who, if you admired or needed something, you usually ended up with it.
Ralph was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, through his fourth great grandfather, William Ely, and descended from Jacob Ely, who settled in Haddam in the mid- 1700’s.
Ralph was a Mason with the Granite Lodge #119 A.F.& A.M., and an NRA life member. To much amusement, Ralph cruised the Connecticut River in his “double-ender” boat. After earning his Pilot’s License, he purchased a Piper Tri-Pacer and flew throughout New England, Block Island and to the beach at Montauk. When Ralph and Kathy owned Harleys, they visited dealerships nationwide and collected pins to record their travels.
Ralph served in the Army with A Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 4th Division. He was drafted in August 1965 and was inducted in November 1965. Ralph and Company A trained together for a full year before shipping out to Vietnam aboard the USS Gordon. He was honorably discharged in August 1967. Among the medals he received were two Bronze Stars, both with a V Device for Heroism; Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, and Army Good Conduct Medal. The first of his Company to be shot at, he was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge; U.S. Army Expert Shooter Badge with Rifle Qualification bar, Machine Gun qualification bar, Auto Rifle qualification bar.
Presented at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colorado, were the Presidential Unit Citation, to the 8th Infantry for actions in Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam; Presidential Unit Citation to Company A, for actions in Pleiku Province, Republic of Vietnam; Unit Citation of the Gallantry Cross, to Company A; and the Civil Actions Medal for Meritorious Service to Company A. Ralph served under 1st Sgt. David H. McNerney, who received the Medal of Honor. To preserve the encounter Ralph and fellow veterans were interviewed for the documentary “Honor in the Valley of Tears.” Profound words of remembrance are from Lt. Col. Sauer: “Ralph was in my platoon in Vietnam, and he was always prepared and ready to do any task he was asked to do, with professionalism and incredible zeal. He was like so many men in A Co, a warrior who could never be defeated, and would defend his fellow soldiers even at his own peril.”
Services will be private followed by burial in the Ely family plot at Shailerville-Tylerville Cemetery. Make a donation in Ralph’s honor to the charity of your choice. We are grateful for the doctors, both local and through the Newington VA, and the nurses and aides who provided comfort and care to Ralph at home where he wanted to be.
Submitted by Kathy Ely
