Ralph Hollis
Ralph Hollis was born 10 September 1906 in Crawfordville, Georgia, and enlisted in the navy 1923–26. From 1926 to 1933, he was driver-pump operator with the Palm Beach Fire Dept, then became a lieutenant in the Palm Beach Police Department in charge of radio communications. He was appointed Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve on 21 November 1934 and was called to active duty in May 1941. After attending a special course in communications, Ensign Hollis reported to battleship USS Arizona (BB-39) in September and was promoted to Lieutenant (Junior Grade) 15 Nov. Serving as communications officer on board the Arizona, Lt. Hollis was killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. [1]
Ralph Hollis | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Ralphy |
| Born | September 10, 1906 Crawfordville, Georgia |
| Died | December 7, 1941 (aged 35) Pearl Harbor, Hawaii |
| Allegiance | .svg.png.webp){kind=small} United States of America |
| Service/ |  United States Naval Reserve |
| Years of service | 1923–26, 1934–41 |
| Rank | Ensign |
| Unit | USS Arizona (BB-39) |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Namesake
In 1943, the destroyer escort USS Hollis (DE-794) was named in honor of Ens. Hollis, sponsored by his widow, Mrs. Hermione C. Hollis. In addition to his wife, he left behind two daughters, Hermione "Louise" Hollis Hilliard and Maryanne Hollis Brookshire.
References
- This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. The entry can be found here.