First Lieut. Ralph S. Gustin

Jul 18, 1921 - Aug 11, 1950

BODY OF HERO RETURNED HERE

Lieut. Gustin First Soldier in County To Be Killed.

The body of First Lieut. Ralph S. Gustin, first St. Joseph county soldier killed in action in the Korea war, was returned to South Bend Sunday. Lieut. Gustin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Earl S. Gustin, 3514 Mishawaka avenue, was killed in Korea while serving with the 25th infantry division, Aug. 11, 1950, near Haman.

He was post-humously awarded The Purple Heart medal and The Distinguished Service Cross with a citation by the late Lieut. Gen. Walton Walker. ieut. Gen. Walker said, "Lieut. Gustin's extraordinary heroic leadership, ability and devotion to his men are in keeping with highest traditions of the military service."

Lieut. Gustin served in the army of occupation in Berlin, Germany, as captain of the military police from 1945 to December, 1946.

He was graduated from Indiana university, Bloomington, in 1949.

He was married there June 16, 1946, to Olga Jacobs, of Portland, Ore., who was working as a civilian for the army. His widow and sons, Grant, two, and Ralph, eight months, escorted the body from California.

Surviving also besides his parents is a brother, Earl K., South Bend.

Friends may call in Hollis funeral home after 1 p.m, Tuesday until the funeral there at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Emil Stanz, reader for. the First Church of Christ, Scientist, will officiate. Military services will be conducted by River Park post No. 303, American legion. Interment will be in the mausoleum in Fairview cemetery, Mishawaka.

Gustin was a member of Phi Eta Sigma, scholastic honorary fraternity No, 22, F. & A.M., Bloomington.

The South Bend Tribune, South Bend, Indiana, Mon, Aug 6, 1951, Page 17

Source: FindAGrave.com

07/13/2025 EJS

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/118692667/ralph-sylvester-gustin