Ralph S. Keyser
| Ralph Stover Keyser | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
May 10, 1883 Thoroughfare, Virginia |
| Died |
April 19, 1955 (aged 71) Bethesda, Maryland |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1902 - 1937, 1941 - 1942 |
| Rank |
 Major General |
| Service number | 0-510 |
| Commands held | Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps |
| Battles/wars |
Philippine–American War World War I World War II |
| Awards |
Navy Cross Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star (2) Legion of Honour |
Ralph Stover Keyser (May 10, 1883 – April 19, 1955) was the 11th Assistant to the Major General Commandant of the Marine Corps and a distinguished marksman, who participated in world matches.
Early years
Keyser was born May 10, 1883 in Thoroughfare, Virginia as a son of Charles Eugene Keyser and his wife Mary Gill Stover Keyser. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1902 and served during Philippine–American War. He applied for Marine Corps commission during 1905 and was subsequently was commissioned Second lieutenant on March 29, 1905.
In 1909, Keyser was appointed Executive Officer of the Marine Corps Rifle range at Wakefield, Massachusetts. After one year service there, he was transferred for shore duty to Cuba, where he served at Guantanamo.
He subsequently participated in numerous conflicts including World War I, the Occupation of Nicaragua and World War II.
World War II
Keyser was recalled to active duty in April 1941 and was appointed Director of Division of Reserve and served in this capacity until March 1942. He was subsequently appointed to the capacity of Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps to Lieutenant general Thomas Holcomb. Keyser was relieved of all active duties on May 24, 1942 because of his poor health. He was succeeded by Brigadier general Harry Schmidt.
General Keyser retired again on October 1, 1942 and was not called back to active duty for the duration of the War. He was also promoted to the rank of Major General on the retired list for having been specially commended in combat.
Major General Ralph S. Keyser died on April 19, 1955 in the Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland. He is buried together with his wife Charlotte Capers (1896-1992) at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.
Decorations
Here is the ribbon bar of Major general Keyser:[1]
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References
- ↑ "Valor awards for Ralph S. Keyser". valor.militarytimes.com. Retrieved 2016-07-29.
This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
- "Major General Ralph Stover Keyser, USMC". Who's Who in Marine Corps History. History Division, United States Marine Corps. Retrieved June 30, 2009.
