Ralph Windom

WINDOM, Capt. Ralph (U.S. Army retired), a member of America’s Greatest Generation, passed away Thursday, October 27, at his Montgomery residence after an extended illness. A highly decorated veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, Capt. Windom was 93 years old.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 31 at 11:00 am at White Chapel Funeral Home in Montgomery. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 pm with interment at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the Windom Family requests that you consider a contribution to either Children’s Harbor on Lake Martin (1 Our Children’s Highway, Alexander City, AL 35010) or Hire Heroes USA (1360 Union Hill Road, Building 2, Suite A, Alpharetta, GA 30004).

Capt. Windom was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 42 years, Alma Charles Johnson Windom, who passed away this past May. He is survived by his sons, former Lt. Gov. Steve Windom (wife, Judge Mary Becker Windom) of Alexander City, and Michael Windom (wife, Marion Steinfels) of Mobile. He is also survived by his grandchildren Robert Windom (Lauren), Thomas Windom (Jen), Kris Windom, Misty Windom Polson (Travis), Patrick Windom and seven great grandchildren.

Born December 12, 1922, and raised in Tallapoosa, Georgia, he enlisted in the Army in 1939. He would become an American hero. Among other military honors, he earned a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart in defense of our country.

A platoon sergeant in the D-Day invasion of Normandy in June 1944, Windom earned a Bronze Star. Following the victory in Europe, he was sent to the Pacific Theater where he remained until the conclusion of World War II.

During the Korean War, Windom was a member of Company C of the 15th Infantry, 3rd Division. In January 1951, his company was pinned down by mortar and small arms fire while trying to enter Kumyang-jang-ni, Korea, and one platoon in particular was cut off by enemy fire. He voluntarily moved through a hail of gunfire to assume command of the platoon, which had no leader. He led tanks into firing positions and established targets for the tanks to fire upon.

Because of inability to make radio contact with artillery troops, Windom ran 600 yards through open terrain to personally inform the artillery forward observer of enemy positions to attack. He then ran back the 600 yards to the platoon, spotting a group of enemy soldiers attempting to gather on the platoon’s flank. He rejoined the platoon, manning a machine gun atop of a tank, thereby repelling the group on the flank and inflicting numerous enemy casualties. The artillery fire generated by his information drove the main group of enemy to retreat.

He received a battlefield commission of Captain. For his gallantry, leadership and initiative, he was awarded the Silver Star, the Nation’s second highest honor. Following the Korean War, Capt. Windom served on active duty until his retirement in 1962.

After his military career, Windom became a real estate broker and worked with Aronov Realty in Montgomery for a number of years. In 1969, he started his own real estate brokerage firm that operated in Montgomery and Gulf Shores from 1969-90. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University Montgomery in 1976.

Ralph was devoted to his wife and family. He was committed to ensuring his children and grandchildren succeed in life and he did much to make this happen. He also loved his pets – both cats and dogs. He was also an avid Crimson Tide football fan.

The Windom Family is greatly appreciative of the loving care given to Ralph by Theresa Moorer, as well as her many colleagues from Answered Prayer, and Gentiva Hospice.

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