This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Koon, Ralph Edward, Brig Gen USAF(Ret).
If you knew or served with this Airman and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Home Town Bolivar, Missouri
Last Address Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Date of Passing Nov 20, 1989
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
He was cremated and his ashes were scattered under the Golden Gate Bridge.
His DSC citation:
(Other evidence shows that dates "16 November through 8 July 8, (sic) 1944" are incorrect.
They should be 16 Nov 1942 through 8 Jul 1943.)
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Colonel (Air Corps) Ralph Edward Koon (ASN: 0-17197), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-24 Heavy Bomber in the 90th Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in bombing missions from 16 November 1943 through 8 July 8, 1944, against enemy targets in the Southwest Pacific Area. Colonel Koon displayed exceptional courage and daring leadership in leading units of his group in eighteen combat missions over this period. These included strikes against Rabaul, Wewak, Kavieng and Ambon. On 10 April 1943, he commanded a bomber on an individual strike mission against enemy shipping in Wewak Harbor. In the face of heavy and accurate anti-aircraft fire, a bombing run was made on a cargo vessel, and a direct hit and damaging near-miss was scored. His aircraft was badly damaged in this attack, and the hydraulic system shot out; nevertheless, a second run was made on another vessel, which was destroyed by two direct hits. Despite the intense anti-aircraft fire and the damaged condition of his airplane, which made a crash-landing inevitable, a third attack was made on a large ship. Although the bombs had been expended, three strafing runs were made at minimum altitude, leaving the vessel in flames. Colonel Koon's skill and heroism contributed substantially to the excellent combat record of his group.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the Far East, General Orders No. 1 (1944)
Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications (B-18A)
General characteristics
* Crew: 6 * Length: 57 ft 10 in (17.6 m) * Wingspan: 89 ft 6 in (27.3 m) * Height: 15 ft 2 in (4.6 m) * Wing area: 959 ft² (89.1 m²) * Empty weight: 16,321 lb (7,400 kg) * Loaded weight: 22,123 lb (10,030 kg) * Max takeoff weight: 27,500 lb (12,600 kg) * Powerplant: 2× Wright R-1820-53 radial engines, 1,000 hp (750 kW) each
Performance
* Maximum speed: 215 mph (197 knots, 346 km/h) * Combat range: 999 nm (1,150 mi, 1,850 km)) * Ferry range: 1,800 nm (2,100 mi, 3,400 km) * Service ceiling 23,900 ft (7,280 m) * Rate of climb: 1,030 ft/min (5.2 m/s) * Wing loading: 23.1 lb/ft² (113 kg/m²) * Power/mass: 0.09 hp/lb (150 W/kg)
Armament
* Guns: 3× .30 in (7.62 mm) machine guns * Bombs: 4,500 lb (2,200 kg)