William Ralph Yocum, son of Ross W. and Nera Yocum, was born in Osawatomie, August 26, 1924, and died in defense of his country somewhere in Italy on October 14, 1944, at the age of 20 years, 1 month and 20 days.

He entered the service Feb 21, 1944, and after 17 weeks training in Ft. McClelland, Ala., was transferred to Fort Mead, Md., from where he was sent overseas to Italy. He arrived overseas about August 15 and had been at various training camps until about three weeks ago. He was then attached to the 135th Infantry company and 34th division.

Ralph was a graduate of the class of 1943 of Osawatomie High School. He was an industrious, home loving boy who numbered his friends by his acquaintances and will be sadly missed by the whole community.

He is survived by his father and mother; two brothers, James. W., Warsfield, Oregon, and Wayne H., Omaha, Nebr.; two sisters, Rosemary Yocum and Ruth Ann Nutt of the home.