Ralph Cheli, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Ralph Cheli

United States Air Force Medal of Honor recipient

Date of Birth: 29-Oct-1919

Place of Birth: San Francisco, California, United States

Date of Death: 06-Mar-1944

Profession: military personnel

Nationality: United States

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Ralph Cheli (pronounced "Kelly" ; October 29, 1919—March 6, 1944) was a major in the United States Army Air Forces and a recipient of the Medal of Honor.
He served as the commanding officer of the 405th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) in the Fifth Air Force's 38th Bombardment Group, based at Durand Airfield, Port Moresby, New Guinea. On August 18, 1943, while leading his group of B-25 Mitchells on a low level attack of two Japanese airfields, his bomber was severely damaged.
Cheli pressed the attack despite the battle damage, then crash-landed his bomber at sea.
He was made a prisoner-of-war and on March 6, 1944, was executed by his captors.
During the period when his status was unknown, Cheli was nominated for the Medal of Honor, which he was awarded in October 1943.