Sergeant R. Lloyd Ketchum

Sergeant R. Lloyd Ketchum, 38, honored Korean War Veteran, was killed in action December 6, 1950 and his remains will be repatriated Sunday, August 12, 2018 as he is welcomed home.

He was born February 5, 1912 in Everman, TX, the son of James and Rubie Ketchum.

Sgt. Ketchum served his country honorably and courageously in the United States Army Air Forces, and US Army. He was a veteran of World War II and the Italian campaign and was united in marriage to Sgt. Dorothy Pelletier November 8, 1947 while they were both serving with Army medical attachments in Georgia. In October of 1949, after time spent in civilian life, Sgt. Ketchum re-enlisted in the United States Army. He was a former member of the medical detachment of the 57 ^th Field Artillery, 7 ^th Infantry Division, and was reported missing in action December 6, 1950 near the battle of the Chosin Reservoir campaign in North Korea.

In 1952, 14 months later, Sgt. Ketchum was honored for his “extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy”, and Mrs. Dorothy Ketchum was presented with his Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second-highest military award.
Authorized by President Truman, the medal accompanied a citation describing his heroism and courage as he moved fearlessly under direct enemy fire, was wounded in the chest and left arm, and continued to treat and evacuate the wounded.

The citation also declared: “Sgt. Ketchum was last seen with his arm in a sling, and despite his painful wounds, administering a syrette of morphine to a wounded comrade. Sgt. Ketchum’s unflinching courage under fire, inspirational actions and consummate devotion to duty, reflect lasting glory on himself and are in keeping with noble traditions of the military service.”

Sgt. Ketchum is survived by his daughter, Mary Jo (Doug) Edge; grandson, Andrew (Sara) Edge; great-granddaughter, Alaina Edge, all of Superior, WI; sister-in-law, Pat Ketchum (Jessie), Ft. Worth, TX; and many nieces and nephews.

Joining him in death are his beloved wife, Dorothy; parents; siblings, James (Bee) Ketchum, William Ketchum, Chester (Thelma) Ketchum, Josephine (Dub) Copeland, Howard (Jimmie) Ketchum, Juanita (Darwin) Garrett and Jessie Ketchum.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Belknap Street, Superior, and will continue until the 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci  as celebrant.

Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Superior where full military honors will be accorded.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center, 305 Harborview Pkwy, Superior, WI 54880, and will be directed to the Korean War exhibit upgrade.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.downs-lesage.com.