Ralph L Schmeisser

Ralph L. Schmeisser was born on February 4, 1927, in Shawano, Wisconsin. He
attended St. James Lutheran School and graduated from Shawano High School in
1945. Shortly after graduation, he volunteered for military service and was inducted
into the Armed Forces on June 27, 1945.
Ralph served with the 4th Tank Battalion of the 1st Armored Division and attained the
rank of Technician Fourth Grade (TEC 4), serving as a Section Leader with the 761st
unit. He served overseas in Germany as part of the Army Of Occupation following
World War II. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army on February
21, 1947.
During his service, Ralph received the World War II Victory Medal, the Army of
Occupation Medal (Germany), the Honorable Service Lapel Button, and one Overseas
Service Bar. He was recommended for further military training but chose instead to
return to Shawano following his discharge.
Ralph spent his entire career at the Shawano Evening Leader, where he worked for
more than 50 years before retiring in July 1997.