Ralph Weymouth

Ralph Weymouth (26 May 1917 – 22 January 2020)[1] was a decorated Vice Admiral of the United States Navy and anti-nuclear campaigner.[2]

Ralph Weymouth
Born	(1917-05-26)May 26, 1917 Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Died	January 22, 2020(2020-01-22) (aged 102) Rockport, Maine, U.S.
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Navy
Years of service	1938–1973
Rank	Vice Admiral
Battles/wars	World War II (Pacific theater), Korean War, Vietnam War
Awards	Navy Cross Legion of Merit (2) Distinguished Flying Cross (4)
Alma mater	U.S. Naval Academy, 1938
Spouse(s)	Laura Bouchage (1920–2009)
Children	8, Yann Weymouth (son) Tina Weymouth (daughter)

Weymouth following 1950 crash of his Grumman F9F Panther

Weymouth was born in Seattle to Ralph Wells Weymouth and his wife Lisbeth Cunningham Sewall. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1938, served two years on surface ships, began naval aviator training, and earned his wings in 1941.

During World War II while serving as Commanding Officer of Bombing Squadron 16 (VB-16), on the U.S.S. Lexington, he received the Navy Cross for actions against the Japanese Navy in the Battle of the Philippine Sea.[1] He was also awarded the Legion of Merit twice and the Distinguished Flying Cross four times.[1] His service continued through the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

During service in post-war Japan, Weymouth became concerned at the effects of nuclear war on the inhabitants of Nagasaki and Hiroshima and became an opponent of nuclear weapons, becoming more active in retirement.[3]

He married Laure Bouchage, granddaughter of Anatole Le Braz, in 1940 and they had eight children, including Tina Weymouth, former bassist for Talking Heads and currently with Tom Tom Club, and architect Yann Weymouth.[4]

Weymouth died at age 102 in Rockport, Maine, on 22 January 2020.[5]