Ralph Shaffer Harper was born on July 17, 1912, in Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. He was the son of Charles F. Harper and Adra Margaret Underwood Harper. He was the husband of Marian Lucille Wareham Harper. He attended the U.S. Military Academy, graduating in 1935, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Cavalry. .

Harper's military career advanced steadily, and he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1942, taking command of the 2nd Tank Battalion of the 9th Armored Division.

During World War II, Harper led his battalion in their first intensive combat at the Battle of the Bulge. As commander of Task Force Harper, he was responsible for setting up roadblocks to delay the German advance toward Bastogne. On December 18, 1944, Harper was killed in action while leading a counterattack against German forces. His actions delayed the 2nd SS Panzer Division, giving Allied reinforcements crucial time to secure Bastogne. LtCol Harper is now buried in the Union Cemetery, Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio, USA. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

Source of information: www.westpointaog.org