Ralph V. Murray

Ralph Murray - Joseph Capedevielle

Serial Number 20705602
Enlisted Villisca, Iowa, February 10, 1941, Private, Infantry, National Guard

Eleven Former Selectees Go Back to Army
Carroll Daily Times Herald January 16, 1942
Eleven "enlisted reservists" - members of Uncle Sam's selectee army who had been released for age prior to the entry of the United States into the war - returned to service today.

This group reported to the local draft board at 8:30 a.m. and were sent to the reception center at Ft. Des Moines for assignment to duty.

Included in the group were Privates First Class George Sapp of Carroll and Ralph V. Murray of Manning; Privates, Alvin B. Bruning of Breda, Joseph P. Capdevielle of Manning, Clarence R. Gobell of Lidderdale, Wayne A. Guinn of Lanesboro, Cecil E. Hull of Coon Rapids, Harold L. Hermsen, Henry J. Irlbeck, Paul F. Nockels, and Frank J. Reineke of Carroll.

Manning Monitor article------ 1943

Ralph Murray Writes
Pvt. Ralph Murray writes to Pete Kuhl from California.
Dear Friend Pete: Well how are you? I am fine. Have been in California a week and like it fine. That was a good break for me to get out of Ft. Warren. Like this country much better-not so Cold. There were 33 of us sent out here as cooks, mess sergeants and truck drivers. We all went out as privates but will get our rating back the last of the month. At present I am cooking but plan to run a mess as soon as we get the new battery together.
We live in a club house called the Turf Club. There is a big race track but no race horses.

How is every thing in Manning and what is Chester's address. Is he close around LA? Think I will have my wife and daughter come out here next month. Did Bob K. get that flag I sent him? Tell him to write and let me know. Time for lights out so I'll close for this time and write soon.
Pvt. Ralph Murray,
Hq. Bat. 65CA (AA) Inglewood, Cal

Pvt Ralph Murray Writes
Pvt. Ralph Murray, stationed at Fort Custer, Mich., writes to thank the Legion and V. F. W. for their Christmas cards. He sends greetings through the Monitor to his friends in the service.

Ralph was at Villisca over Christmas to visit his wife and son but only had a 3-day pass and was unable to get to Manning.
Ralph writes, that he hopes the war will soon be over and the boys can sit around at "Bob's once more and have a good visit especially the night owl gang.
He sends best regards to all the folks at home.

Pvt. Ralph Murray Writes
Pvt. Ralph Murray writes, saying he has been transferred to Ft. Custer, Michigan, as M.P. Escort Guard Company. It is made up of men over 30 years old. Officers are old Infantry officers, too old for combat.
They are from every division in the U.S. and some from across. Training is given to handling prisoners of war. They are given 6 to 8 weeks training in police work, infantry training, map reading, etc.
The army can take them across because they are still in general service. Pvt. Murray says it is called the Provost Marshal General Training Center. There are 200 men from 35 divisions who were transferred there.

Ralph writes that this is the 6th outfit he has been in 2 years and 8 months. He had been a cook until now but welcomes this change. Many Cpls., Sgts., and St. Sgts. were broke down to Privates, so they all get an even start in this new outfit.
Ralph sends regards to all his friends at home and overseas. He states he enjoys reading the paper.