Ralph B. DeWitt

Ralph Birchard DeWitt (June 8, 1901 – January 2, 1974) was an officer in the United States Marine Corps with the rank of brigadier general. The United States Naval Academy graduate, he spent his career mostly in Quartermaster Department and completed his service as commanding general, Marine Supply Center Barstow.

Early career

DeWitt was born on June 8, 1901, in Newfane, Vermont, as the son of Frank Austin and Lena Ware DeWitt. He attended the high school in Chester, Vermont, and subsequently received appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, in July 1918. DeWitt graduated in June 1922 with bachelor's degree and was commissioned second lieutenant in the Marine Corps on that date.

Following his graduation, DeWitt was ordered to the Basic School at Marine Barracks Quantico for basic officer training, which he completed in April 1923. He was then attached to the 2nd Marine Regiment and ordered with 1st Marine Brigade to Haiti. DeWitt participated in the jungle patrols against Cacos bandits until May 1925, when he returned to the United States.

Retirement and death

DeWitt retired from the Marine Corps on August 1, 1958, after almost 30 years of service and settled in Alameda County, California, and worked as secretary for Pacific State Mortgage Company. He then moved back to Vermont, where he died on January 2, 1974, in the town of Brattleboro. He is buried at Morningside Cemetery together with his wife, Helen Bliss DeWitt (1901–1970). They had together three sons: Birchard B., Randolph A. and John B.

Decorations

Here is the ribbon bar of Brigadier General DeWitt: