Born in Tustin, California, July 2, 1916, Graduated from the Tustin High School, June 1936
Enrolled in the University of California, Davis, August 1937 Plant Science Curriculum
Graduated Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, May 1940

Military Service

Enlisted Service

Enlisted, United States Naval Reserve, 3 August 1940, in Los Angeles, Class V - 7, as Apprentice Seaman.
Placed on inactive duty but liable for four years of service.
Recalled to active duty, 26 September 1940; reported for duty on USS 'TUSCALOOSA', 30 September 1940.
Released from training duty, 26 October 1940. Enlistment service terminated 15 December 1940 to accept appointment as Midshipman.

Officer Service

1940; Dec. 16 - Appointed Midshipman, Volunteer Reserve, USNR and entered USNR Midshipman School, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
1941; Mar. 14 - Detached from Northwestern. University; accepted appointment and executed oath of office as Ensign, D-V(G), USNR, to rank from 14 March 1941.
Mar. 31 - Reported to the USS ‘NEOSHO’ for duty.

Ensign Ralph P. Plumb officially reported as missing in action 7 May 1942* when the USS ‘NEOSHO’ was lost in the Battle of the Coral Sea.**

HONORS AMERICAN DEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL (Fleet Clasp) 1939-1941.
In compliance with Section 5, Public Law 490, as amended, death is presumed to have occurred on 8 May 1943.

A more detailed account of the action in which the NEOSHO was engaged will be found in the following publications available in the University Library on the Davis campus:
Battle Report Pacific War, Middle Phase, 1947.
Saturday Evening Post, 215: 9-11. Feb. 6, 1943
‘Fat Girl: USSN EOSHO, auxiliary oiler dies gallantly in the Coral Sea’.