Ralph Cheli

Leading the attack in a burning aircraft

Ralph Cheli was born on 29 October 1919 in San Francisco, California. He served as a major with the 405th Bombardment Squadron, 38th Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force during the Second World War.

On 18 August 1943 near Wewak, New Guinea, enemy fighters set Cheli's aircraft afire as he led an attack on Dagua airfield. He continued leading rather than leave the formation disorganized. After the squadron completed its low-level bombing and strafing attack, he ordered his wingman to take command and crashed into the sea.

Cheli died on 6 March 1944 at Rabaul. He received the Medal of Honor posthumously and is buried in a group grave at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri.

Medal of Honor citation

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with the enemy. While Maj. Cheli was leading his squadron in a dive to attack the heavily defended Dagua airdrome, intercepting enemy aircraft centered their fire on his plane, causing it to burst into flames while still two miles from the objective. His speed would have enabled him to gain necessary altitude to parachute to safety, but this action would have resulted in his formation becoming disorganized and exposed to the enemy. Although a crash was inevitable, he courageously elected to continue leading the attack in his blazing plane. From a minimum altitude, the squadron made a devastating bombing and strafing attack on the target. The mission completed, Maj. Cheli instructed his wingman to lead the formation and crashed into the sea.