[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





              HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF RALPH DOSS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LLOYD SMUCKER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 10, 2025

  Mr. SMUCKER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service 
of World War II veteran Ralph Doss.
  Ralph Doss was born on March 30, 1925, and spent his formative years 
in Chester County. Mr. Doss enlisted in the U.S Navy at the age of 17, 
requiring his mother's written permission due to his age. He then 
served on the USS Sigourney, a destroyer, and the USS Duluth, a 
flagship cruiser, in the South Pacific. During his stint on the 
Sigourney, he was involved in the 1943 rescue of Medal of Honor winning 
fighter pilot Robert M. Hanson.
  At the conclusion of the war, Ralph Doss was discharged and settled 
in Kennett Square, where he worked for Longwood Gardens for 28 years. 
In his spare time, he wrote poetry, was a professional harmonica 
musician for four decades, and served as Grand Marshall in the Kennett 
Square Memorial Day parade.
  Since 2008, Mr. Doss called Gordonville in Lancaster County home, 
where he lives with his wife of 60 years, Dora.
  As he approaches his 100th birthday, I would like to honor Mr. Ralph 
Doss for his selfless military service. We should be proud to have such 
an outstanding individual in our district.

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