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

Accident – Death – Obituary News : **Funeral held for Utah Marine Captain 50 years after Vietnam War crash**

AMERICAN FORK — A solemn funeral ceremony was conducted on Saturday to honor the life and sacrifice of Captain Ralf Jim Chipman, a Utah native who tragically lost his life in the Vietnam War over 50 years ago. The poignant event, which took place in American Fork, marked the long-awaited return of Captain Chipman’s remains to his hometown.

Born on August 15, 1943, in Salt Lake City, Captain Chipman spent his formative years in American Fork alongside his loving family. His parents, Faye and Curtis, provided a nurturing environment for Captain Chipman and his siblings, including his older brother Max and two younger brothers, Kenneth Ray and Joe.

Driven by his passion for education and personal growth, Captain Chipman pursued a degree in Business Management at Brigham Young University. During his junior year, he found love and companionship with Susan Smith, whom he married. However, their newlywed bliss was cut short when Captain Chipman received his first draft notice during his senior year, followed by a second notice just days after his graduation. With unwavering dedication to his country, he answered the call and was sworn into the Marines as a pilot.

Captain Chipman’s journey as a military aviator began with his basic training at an officer candidate school in Quantico, Virginia. Subsequently, he underwent extensive pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma. After honing his flying skills, Captain Chipman was stationed at Cherry Point Naval Air Station, where he continued to refine his expertise. His exemplary performance led to promotions, earning him the rank of Lieutenant and later Captain. In 1972, Captain Chipman received orders to serve in the Vietnam War, embarking on a series of perilous missions.

Tragedy struck on December 27, 1972, when Captain 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 shrouded in uncertainty and anguish for their loved ones left behind.

In a remarkable turn of events, a recovery team investigating the Vietnam crash site in July 2023 made a significant discovery. Among the remnants from the wreckage, Captain Chipman’s dog tags were found, along with some remains that were later confirmed to be his. This breakthrough brought a glimmer of closure to his family and friends, who had held onto hope for over 50 years.

Finally, on November 11, 2023, a deeply emotional gathering took place at Anderson and Sons Mortuary in American Fork. Captain Chipman’s wife, Susan, and their two sons, Scott Lee and Matthew Curtis, along with members of the community, came together to pay tribute to a fallen hero and witness his graveside service. The ceremony was a testament to Captain Chipman’s bravery, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to his country.

The funeral proceedings provided solace to those who mourned Captain Chipman’s loss and brought a sense of closure after decades of uncertainty. The return of his remains to American Fork served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by brave soldiers like Captain Chipman, ensuring that their memory lives on for generations to come..