Today, we honor the life and sacrifice of Corporal Ralph Michael Hooks, a brave U.S Marine who gave his life in service to our country on this day in 1969 during the Vietnam War. He was just 20 years old.
A resident of Princeton, Kentucky, Corporal Hooks served with unwavering commitment as a Rifleman (MOS 0311) with Scout/Sniper Platoon, Headquarters Company, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, III Marine Amphibious Force.
At the time of his death, Corporal Hooks was deployed in the Quang Nam Province of South Vietnam. His body was recovered, and his memory has been preserved with honor ever since.
Beginning his tour in Vietnam on Nov. 21, 1968, Corporal Hook’s service exemplified the courage and devotion of a Marine who upheld the values of honor, courage, and commitment to the very end.
Corporal Hook’s service and sacrifice are permanently memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, at Panel W18, Line 15, and here at the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
To learn more about Corporal Hook and his service to our country, click here. To leave a tribute to him on the Wall of Faces, click here.
If you have any additional information, photos, or videos related to Corporal Hooks or any other Kentucky veteran who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War, we kindly invite you to share them with us here.
