Unruh Ralph R – Cimarron Kansas Network

PFC Ralph R. Unruh
39th Inf Reg, 9th Inf Div
Sept. 7, 1910 - Oct. 18, 1944

Ralph Richard Unruh, the son of Isaac and Lena Unruh was born September 7, 1910 in Durham, KS. He was the seventh of nine children. At the age of four he moved with his family to Montezuma, KS in the spring of 1914, where he spent his childhood. Tragedy struck at the age of seven when his mother died. Ralph was married in Bend Oregon to Ruth Thoman of Winfield, KS, February 25, 1937. To this union one son, John Eldon Unruh, was born in 1938. The last few years he spent with his family in California until he was called the service December 7, 1943 and was sent overseas the latter part of August. He was in the infantry at the time of his death on October 18 in Germany.

Pvt Ralph R. Unruh was a member of the 39th Infantry Regiment 9TH Infantry Division, he died on Oct. 18, 1944. He was 34 years old at the time of his death. Pvt Unruh is buried in Henri Chapelle, Belgium. There is also an “In Memory Of” headstone in the Fairview Cemetery in Montezuma, KS. His name is also listed on the War Memorial Stone in Fairview Cemetery.

In Combat – After pushing through Belgium, the 39th was involved in assaults against Germany’s Siegfried Line, a dense network of bunkers, dragon’s teeth, and minefields. Fighting here was slow and bloody, with heavy resistance from entrenched German forces.

The period from October 1 to October 18, 1944, was marked by intense combat and strategic maneuvers for the 39th Infantry Regiment. Their efforts exemplified the challenges faced by Allied forces in penetrating Germany’s western defenses during World War II. It is quite possible that PVT Unruh was killed while the unit was engaged with the enemy during this time.

A VERY BRIEF REVIEW OF THE 39TH INFANTRY REGIMENT, IN EUROPE, IN WORLD WAR II:

A Brief Review of the 39th Infantry Regiment in Europe – World War II

After successful campaigns in North Africa (1942–1943) and Sicily (1943), the 9th Infantry Regiment prepared for operations in Western Europe. They were among the first elements of the 39th Infantry Division to land in France after D-Day.

Landing in France (June 1944)

The 39th Infantry Regiment came ashore at Utah Beach in mid-June 1944, shortly after the D-Day landings. Assigned to help expand the beachhead, the regiment quickly engaged in intense fighting as part of the Normandy Campaign.

Breakout and Advance (July–August 1944)

The 39th played a key role in Operation Cobra, the breakout from Normandy.

They advanced through the hedgerow country of Normandy, fighting tough German resistance in and around St. Lô.

Continuing eastward, the regiment liberated towns and villages in northern France, moving rapidly during the German retreat.

Belgium and the Siegfried Line (September–October 1944)

After pushing through Belgium, the 39th was involved in assaults against Germany’s Siegfried Line, a dense network of bunkers, dragon’s teeth, and minefields.

Fighting here was slow and bloody, with heavy resistance from entrenched German forces.

Battle of the Hürtgen Forest (November–December 1944)

The 39th Infantry fought in one of the most grueling battles of the war: the Battle of the Hürtgen Forest.

The heavily wooded terrain, cold weather, and determined German defense caused significant American casualties.

Despite the challenges, the regiment helped to secure key positions in the area, maintaining pressure on German lines.

Battle of the Bulge (December 1944–January 1945)

When Germany launched its last major offensive in the Ardennes (the Battle of the Bulge), the 39th was quickly repositioned to contain the attack.

Although not in the initial path of the German offensive, the regiment helped push back the German forces in the northern sector during the counteroffensive.

Crossing the Rhine (March 1945)

In March 1945, the 39th Infantry took part in the crossing of the Rhine River near Remagen, exploiting the famous Ludendorff Bridge.

The regiment advanced rapidly into the heart of Germany as Allied forces drove toward final victory.

Final Operations and Victory (April–May 1945)

The 39th pushed deeper into central Germany, helping to capture key towns and strategic targets.

The regiment was involved in mop-up operations and occupation duties by the time of Germany’s surrender in May 1945.

Combat Awards and Legacy

The 39th Infantry Regiment earned multiple unit citations and battle honors for its role in the European Theater, including:

– Normandy

– Northern France

– Rhineland

– Ardennes-Alsace

– Central Europe