Ragsdale, Floyd 424 G.

[connie]

Sad news has been received that Floyd Ragsdale passed away unexpectedly yesterday afternoon. This loss will be deeply felt by all who actively participate in this discussion board. Floyd made a habit of visiting the board daily and frequently adding his insights and stories.

Several years ago I had the pleasure of Floyd's company on a trip to remembered WWII sites in Belgium. And he was in the process of preparing to leave this week, with hometown friends, for a second return journey to Belgium that would have included participation in the Flag of Friendship ceremonies there this weekend. This gentle, caring man with a great sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

obituary link: obituaries.galesburg.com/obituaries/register-mail/obituary.aspx?pid=173441936
I will begin adding links to info on Floyd, It may take a while before it is complete.

Please feel free to add thoughts and memories in replies below. Or go treasure hunting for a favorite thread or post and share the link on a new thread on Floyd's posts in the general board: 106thdivision.proboards.com/post/3941/thread

Ragsdale, Floyd Douglas 424 G

site member intro
106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=introductions&action=display&thread=384
to link to his many posts on this board, click on his name in the site member intro. Then click on "recent posts"

one post: 106thdivision.proboards.com/post/1578/thread

Return to Foxhole www.veteransofthebattleofthebulge.org/2012/01/15/floyd-ragsdale-106th-infantry-division-returns-to-his-1944-foxhole/


Indiana Military Site Notes: www.indianamilitary.org/106ID/Diaries/None-POW/Floyd%20Ragsdale/Floyd%20Ragsdale.htm

New Award: 106thdivision.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=other&thread=639&page=1

Congressional Record October 14 2011: www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CREC-2011-10-14/html/CREC-2011-10-14-pt1-PgE1869-2.htm

Newspaper article on awards www.galesburg.com/article/20111018/News/310189939

Interview Illinois Veterans and Community Classroom Project March 2011: ilvets.ltc.k12.il.us/ilvets/VideoGallery/VideoPlayer/TabId/136/VideoId/518/Floyd-Ragsdale.aspx#top
I could see, but not hear Floyd in this interview but suspect it was an issue with outdated software on my computer...

Library of Congress Veterans History Project notes: lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/54029

[Carl W.]

It was a great honor to have known Floyd and to have been able to walk with him across the historic battlegrounds of the Ardennes, where he fought as a young soldier.
His kind character, gentle nature, humor and passion for sharing stories will be greatly missed. As Connie mentioned, Floyd was set to participate in the upcoming commemorations this weekend, where his life and service during the Battle of the Bulge will be remembered by all present.

Mourning the loss of our dear friend,
Carl

[roger]

I always looked forward to Floyd's comments, his thoughts and his sharing of his personal experiences. He provided a wealth of information to the readers of this discussion board. His writings always made me feel as if I was on the line with him. A most remarkable and humble man. RIP Floyd.....and thank you for your service.....then and now.

[seaforth]

Very sad news.
I hoped to see him saturday. But have to face the fact that i will not have the privilege of meeting this colorfull man.
For all close: I'm sorry for your loss.
And rip old hero!

[Larry Heider]

Floyd left the makings of an important book on these MB pages. Questions asked and answered. Random thoughts and insights. Scenarios of adventures and encounters, trials and successes. What can we do to honor this remarkable man?

[connie]

I wanted to let you know that an obituary link has now been added to the first post.

Funny you should speak of books, Ace. Once when we were e-mailing some time back Floyd spoke of people contacting him who were really only interested in writing a book. That did not resonate well with him at the time. But much later he noted (here on the discussion board, I think) that he had probably written enough on this board to make a book. I am certain that, if nothing else, he will be quoted from time to time. He has certainly written a tribute that will last as long as others look at this board.

But I understand and also feel the need.... like there is something else I should be doing. I'm listening and pondering...and open to Private Messaging pondering...

At the moment I'm inclined to think of the words of Lincoln's Gettysburg address and believe that the brave and humble young man who struggled there and continued to care and give throughout his life has already exceeded our ability to add or detract...

[Carl W.]

Dec 11, 2014 1:51:30 GMT -5 Larry Heider said:

Floyd left the makings of an important book on these MB pages. Questions asked and answered. Random thoughts and insights. Scenarios of adventures and encounters, trials and successes. What can we do to honor this remarkable man?

Hi Larry,

I am encouraged to contact his family and ask if we can create something in his honor. Perhaps a book with pictures of his return trip and excerpts of his memoir and his numerous postings on the discussion board. Having talked to Floyd over the phone just days before his passing, we spent over an hour going over his post war experiences. As Connie will recall, in 2010 Floyd gave me a copy of his memoir. I will try to make that available over here.

Floyd was honored at the national remembrance ceremony on the Hamm Cemetery in Luxembourg by the Prime Minister. His portrait was carried by one of his fellow Golden Lions during the visits with the Belgian King and Queen in Bastogne and at the Brussels Palace. Also during the private audience with Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, he was 'present'. The Grand Duke was very gracious to ask about him and his WWII experiences.

Carl

[Larry Heider]

As always, Carl has already taken the first steps to honor Floyd. Thank you Carl. Having his memoir posted on this MB would be a great way to keep his history alive. It also may inspire other members of the 106th to be more engaged with this MB.

[gemcmeg]

So sad to hear of Floyd's passing. Reading his words always brought me one step closer in trying to understand what my dad (Paul Eanes/590th Svc) and the other men of the 106th went through. He will truly be missed here. May he rest in peace with his band of brothers.

[Carl W.]

This poignant photo was taken at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium on 17 Dec 2014.
The VBOB veterans carried his portrait with them to their meeting with the Belgian King and Queen.