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Inverness resident Dr. James Ralph, a graduate of Stanford University (B.A., 1958) and the Duke University School of Medicine (M.D., 1962), is a very unique medical professional. What makes him unique is his 37 years of distinguished service in uniform as a medical officer that encompassed 16 years on active duty and 17 years in the reserve components.
Retiring from military service as a medical officer in 1997 with the rank of colonel, Ralph's years of service in uniform saw him participate in two conflicts decades apart. In 1991, he participated in Operation Desert Storm performing a number of medical related duties to include medical evacuation missions and assessing the toxicity of Kuwait's burning oil fields.
During the 1960's, he served two tours in Vietnam where his heroic actions as a flight surgeon on numerous medical missions of mercy earned him the title of "The Crazy Doc" from Brigadier General Joseph W. Stilwell, Jr. Awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star for Valor, Purple Heart, 11 Air Medals and three Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry, Ralph has the singular distinction of being the most highly decorated medical officer of the Vietnam War.
Ralph received the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received in action on January 2, 1964. As one of only two Special Forces medical officers in Vietnam during the early days of the war, Ralph provided medical support to many of the isolated Special Forces A-Team camps.
While aboard a UH-1B helicopter enroute to a Special Forces camp west of the Mekong Delta, the helicopter was brought down by hostile ground fire. Violently crashing to the ground, all aboard sustained serious injuries with Ralph incurring three collapsed spinal discs and a shoulder injury. Despite his painful injuries, Ralph removed the severely injured pilot and co-pilot from the wreckage and comforted them until they were medically evacuated.
Of all his noteworthy military accomplishments, however, the one Ralph is most proud of is that while serving in combat no patient died in his care no matter how severe the wounds, injuries or illnesses. Ralph also takes great pride in being a loving husband and father of two sons.
Devoted to preparing young Americans to become productive citizens, Ralph has selflessly served our youth throughout his adult life. An Eagle Scout himself, he continues to serve as a Scout leader, Commissioner and Merit Badge Counselor and a Distinguished Eagle Scout and Regent. Additionally, he serves on the Citrus County School Board Curriculum Alignment Committee (Science) and as a Science Fair Judge.
A member of many military, veterans, civic and professional associations, Ralph is a Life Member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH). He presently holds the office of State Surgeon, Department of Florida, MOPH and is the Senior Vice Commander, Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776, MOPH.
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