Cpl. Ralph Andrew Militello was born in Illinois on October 12, 1923, to Charles Militello and Mildred Chiero-Militello, and had two sisters and two brothers. His family resided at 1307 North 2nd Avenue, Melrose Park, Illinois, and he graduated from Stevenson School and Proviso Township High School in 1941. After high school, he worked at the American Can Company in Maywood. He registered with Selective Service on June 29, 1942, and named his father as his contact person. He also stated his home address was 1201 N. 22nd Avenue, Melrose Park.
Ralph was inducted into the US Army on January 12, 1943, in Chicago, and was issued the serial number 36 641 155. It is known he trained at Fort Bliss, Texas, but where else he may have trained is not known. He was assigned to an anti-aircraft unit. He took part in the D-Day Invasion on December 6, 1944, and was wounded so badly he was returned to England. From there, he was returned to the United States. He may have been treated in more than one hospital, but the only one that is known is Hines Hospital, Hines, Illinois.
On October 15, 1945, Cpl. Ralph A. Militello died from his wounds, received on D-Day, at Hines Hospital, and was buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois, on October 22, 1945, in Section 37, Block 7, Lot 20, Grave 1.
