Funeral Held for Utah Marine Captain 50 Years After Vietnam War Crash

AMERICAN FIRK —

A solemn funeral ceremony was held on Saturday to honor the life and legacy of Captain Ralf Jim Chipman, a Utah native who tragically lost his life in the Vietnam War over 50 years ago. Chipman’s remains were recently identified, bringing closure to his family and loved ones.

Chipman, born on August 15, 1943, in Salt Lake City, spent his childhood in American Fork, surrounded by his parents, Faye and Curtis, his older brother Max, and his two younger brothers, Kenneth Ray and Joe.

After completing his education in Business Management at Brigham Young University, Chipman married Susan Smith during his junior year. However, their newlywed bliss was interrupted when he received his first draft notice in his senior year, followed by another just days after graduation. Determined to serve his country, Chipman eagerly enlisted in the Marines as a pilot.

To prepare for his military duties, Chipman underwent basic training at an officer candidate school in Quantico, Virginia. He then pursued pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma, before being stationed at Cherry Point Naval Air Station, where he honed his flying skills. His dedication and skills were recognized, leading to promotions from Lieutenant to eventually Captain. In 1972, Chipman received orders to serve in the Vietnam War, flying numerous missions each week.

Tragedy struck on December 27, 1972, when Chipman and his navigator, Ron Forrester, were reported missing in action after their plane was shot down over North Vietnam. For decades, their fate remained unknown.

However, in July 2023, a recovery team investigating the Vietnam crash site made a significant discovery. Chipman’s dog tags, along with remains, were found, and through meticulous analysis, they were positively identified as belonging to Captain Ralph Jim Chipman.

After more than 50 years, a part of Chipman was finally returned to American Fork, his hometown. On November 11, 2023, a poignant graveside service took place at Anderson and Sons Mortuary, where his wife, two sons named Scott Lee and Matthew Curtis, along with friends and community members, gathered to pay their final respects and commemorate his sacrifice.