“The more I think about it, the more I get a little disgusted, even talking about it…but I’ll tell you what, I was very, very lucky.” (video interview, 26:28)

Ralph Earl Moulis

Ralph Moulis, 2002 War: World War, 1939-1945 Branch: Army Air Forces/Corps Unit: 306 Bomb Group, 8th Air Force Service Location: Bedford, England; Seoul, Korea Rank: Second Lieutenant POW: Yes

After flying 25 missions with the 306th Bomb Group out of Bedford, England, Ralph Earl Moulis was eligible to rotate back to the United States. But several members of his crew had not yet flown as many missions, and he chose to remain in England until the entire crew was eligible to return stateside. On his 28th mission, he was shot down and taken prisoner by German forces. Though he eventually escaped, his 14 months as a prisoner of war left an indelible mark, impacting his personal relationships, his ability to sleep and his physical health.