Ronald W. Ringwall was born on March 18, 1940, to Walter and Doris Ringwall. He had two brothers, Richard and Douglas, and a sister, Diane. His home of record is Summit, NJ. Ringwall enjoyed skiing and working on cars.

Ronald attended Georgia Military Academy in College Park, GA, graduating in 1959. He would later marry Janette Kessler in 1962 who also graduated from Millburn High School. In 1964, they had one son, Eric S. Ringwall. Eric followed his late father’s military footsteps and joined the U.S. Navy as an officer.

Ronald attended Cornell University and earned a degree in agricultural economics. He graduated in 1963. After graduation he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force.

Ronald served in the US Air Force and attained the rank of First Lieutenant (1LT). Ringwall was stationed with the 919th Air Refueling Squadron, 484th Bombardment Wing when he was deployed to Kadena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan. He was trained as a navigator and performed those duties aboard the giant KC135 air refueling aircraft. In the short time he was stationed there, he flew four combat missions and eighteen light sorties in support of U.S. Air Force operations in Southeast Asia and was awarded the Air Medal for his meritorious service. Ringwall was killed in action on May 19, 1966.

He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Ringwall’s memory was honored at a public ceremony on May 7, 2004, dedicating a memorial at Millburn High School for former students who died in the Vietnam War. He was survived by his wife, son and three siblings; Richard, Douglas and Diane.

Sources: Janette Ringwall Lauridsen (widow), Eric Ringwall (son), Millburn High School and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024