ON the third of April 1951, the treacherous warfare In Korea closed the career of a brilliant and splendid young officer,
Robert Bolenius Ritchie. The ambition to lead men and to defend his country in time of danger was truly inborn, for lineal ancestors of Bob's served with distinction in every major conflict from the French and Indian Wars to the present time. Even In childhood Bob dreamed of graduating from West Point and of becoming a credit to the Academy and to his country. He was to realize both of these ambitions.

Born in 1927, the only child of Colonel and Mrs. Lloyd C. Ritchie, Bob grew to fine young manhood in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Like all real boys he had a dog that he loved and grew up with-an Irish terrier named "Brownie". From the age of eight Bob wanted nothing more than to go to West Point; a collection of literally hundreds of toy soldiers absorbed hours of his boyhood in mock battles and campaigns. He attended Franklin and Marshall Academy in Lancaster and later in 1944 was graduated from Western High School in Washington, D. C. After this he began intensive preparation for West Point at Millard's Prep School in Washington. Bob's ambition and hard work were rewarded. He was successful in winning the coveted appointment to West Point from the 9th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.

Once at West Point Bob quickly won a place for himself. His active interest in sports and other extracurricular activities coupled with his admirable personal qualities gained him many friends. Bob's outstanding ability in public relations was recognized and well qualified him for selection as Brigade Press Representative. As did any normal Cadet, Bob spent some of his time on the area. During the summer of Cow year he ignited a large "firecracker" in barracks. The resultant explosion earned him Corps-wide fame as well as many punishment tours.

After graduation in 1949 Bob was sent to the Ground General School at Fort Riley, Kansas, and then to the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. On the sixteenth of June 1950, upon completion of his assignment at Fort Benning, Bob married Carolyne Louise Allen of Manchester, Georgia, a graduate of the University of Georgia.

Bob was already on orders to the Far East which meant that their time together was limited. They took a leisurely honeymoon through the Carolinas and Virginia visiting the historic and military points of interest enroute to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Here they were with Bob's parents until it was time to start West. In late July Bob and Carolyne drove across country to Fort Lawton, Washington. On their trip they were joined by classmate Jack Thomas and his wife, Leota.

Bob took the familiar swift air route to Korea; a short pause at Anchorage, another refueling in the Aleutians, and then on to Tokyo. From the 8th Army Replacement Center at Camp Drake, Japan, Bob wrote that he was the seventh member of his class to be assigned to Korea; he was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division. The two-day rail trip to Sasebo and the overnight voyage across the Sea of Japan to Pusan, Korea, followed quickly. While in the replacement chain Bob wrote on the 10th of August, "The next few days should be very interesting for it appears that I am to undertake the job for which I've been training for five years-a platoon leader. I hope I do a job which will make you proud of me."

The 5th RCT, when Bob joined it, was heavily engaged in the Masan area. Soon afterward he wrote, "Shortly after taking command of the Third Platoon we came off the mountain and started marching down the road, a column, on each side. As I walked at the head, I -don't think anything ever gave me as much of a thrill as to realize that I was the platoon leader."

While locked in combat in the Masan area, Bob received his first wound on the 26th of August. In writing of his wound it was obvious that he mentioned it only to dispel the fears of his loved ones as to the extent of his injuries. He quickly returned to duty and almost as quickly was hit a second time on the 6th of September. Despite being painfully wounded he refused medical attention and continued to lead and encourage his platoon in the heavy action. The Bronze Star for valor, which was awarded in recognition of this outstanding act of courage, is partial testimony to Bob's character.

Another clear picture of Bob was at Christmas when he bought twenty-eight dollars worth of PX rations and distributed them to men in his platoon who did not receive any packages. For a short period Bob was assistant Regimental S-2; however, he liked best of all to be with troops and he returned to the front lines to lead a heavy mortar platoon. In late March of 1951 Task Force Growdon was organized to effect a link with the air drop of the 187th RCT in the vicinity of Masan-ni, Korea. Leading his platoon in this operation Bob's jeep struck a mine on the 24th of March and he was severely wounded for the third time. He was evacuated to a surgical hospital and fought a valiant but losing battle for his life. On April 3rd, 1951, in Taegu, Korea, Bob joined the "long grey line".

In his brief but superb record in combat Bob was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Bronze Star for Valor, two Purple hearts with one Oak Leaf Cluster; the Korean Campaign Ribbon with four Battle Stars, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, and the United Nations Ribbon.

Bob's body was committed to rest on an oak-shaded knoll in Arlington National Cemetery. He well earned the solemn respect of the full military funeral. The services were conducted by his minister, the Reverend Robert C. Batchelder of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, assisted by Chaplain Luther B. Miller, former Chief of Chaplains. Bob is survived by his wife, Mrs. Carolyne Allen Ritchie; his parents, Colonel and Mrs. Lloyd C. Ritchie; his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin M. Whitney of Quaker Hill, Pawling, N. Y.; and his aunt, Miss Mary Carpenter Bolenius.

It is not easy to accept Bob's loss, but the memory of his thoughtfulness, his manly qualities, and his soldierly abilities will be with us always. Bob's contribution on earth is not measured by the number of years he lived, but by how well he accomplished his mission while here.

1 have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Hence-forth, there is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord, the just judge, will render to me in that day. II Timothy 4:7.8

Personal Eulogy