November 2024 • Nebraskaland 37
experiences and talked up aviation's growing commercial
potential.
Ralston then settled into married life, opening a dental
practice in Ainsworth, where he became a community leader,
even serving as mayor. Later, "Doc" Ralston and his wife
owned a ranch near Valentine.
But he left it all behind after the U.S. entered World
War II. Reenlisting in the Army Air Forces, he trained as
an intelligence offi cer. On Dec. 30, 1942, Ralston was a
passenger on a B-17 bound for Ainsworth Army Air Field
when the bomber crashed in Montana, killing all aboard. He
was 48 years old.
N
Visit NSHS's website at history.nebraska.gov.
Lt. Orville Ralston, portrait taken in London. NSHS RG2429-0-351
The control stick from Ralston's Sopwith Camel. He carved a
notch for each enemy plane he shot down. NSHS 10091-15
