Ralph Emerson Bower III, West Point Class of 1974, was born in Spokane, WA, to Ralph Emerson Bower and Margaret Jane Bower. When Ralph graduated in June 1974, he chose the Air Force, in part because his dad had been an Air Force bomber pilot and also because he really wanted to fly. He mastered the art of flying, graduating at the top of all of his classes and receiving his choice of aircraft. He chose the F-4. After graduating from flight training, Ralph married Sue. Ralph's first assignment was with the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Spangdahlem, Germany. He died in an aircraft accident with his navigator on April 4, 1978 in Spangdahlem.

Source of information:
From the book "Taps: A Supplement to Assembly Magazine".