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Ralph Paul Ackerman

Technical Sergeant Ralph P. Ackerman was an enlisted pilot who served with VMSB-233 during the campaign for the Solomon Islands.
His bomber was shot down near New Georgia on 23 January 1943.

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Branch

Marine Corps Regular
Service Number 294851

Created by potrace 1.16, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2019

Current Status

Remains Not Recovered

Pursuit Category

The DPAA has not publicized this information.

Capsule History

Pre-War Life

Birth

19 September 1919
at Detroit, MI

Parents

Paul & Louise Ackerman

Education

High school graduate
(details unknown)

Occupation / Employer

Bookkeeper
Henry Ehms Sausage Company

Service Life

Entered Service

25 August 1940
at Chicago, IL

Home Of Record

9416 Beaconsfield
Detroit, MI

Next Of Kin

Boot Camp
Officer School

Specialty

Pilot

Primary Unit

VMSB-233

Campaigns Served

Solomon Islands

Individual Decorations
Additional Service Details

Loss And Burial

Circumstances Of Loss

On 23 January 1943, TSgt. Ackerman  was part of a strike force assembled to search out a pair of Japanese ships spotted in “The Slot” near New Georgia.

Ackerman sighted in on the freighter Toa Maru 2 and pushed Dauntless #33 into a dive, twisting through a hail of 20mm anti-aircraft fire. Hits were observed on his aircraft, but Ackerman “rode it on down” for 7,000 feet before pulling the lever to release his bomb. The plane lurched immediately after the drop; onlookers surmised that Ackerman had been hit and killed, for the bomber plummeted into the sea.

The squadron’s War Diary commented that “The courage displayed by Ackerman and his gunner [PFC Benton J. Hill] is of a type that demands commendation.” Hope was held out for their safe return until 24 January 1944, when both Marines were declared dead.

Burial Information or Disposition

Not recovered following plane crash at sea.

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