James Ratcliff Air Force 1976-1996

Biography written by Courtney Kadel and Makenna Smith

Have you ever stopped and wondered how many people have died fighting for our country? In fact, according to Statista.Com, 1,304,701 lives have been lost and probably many more. We are honored to share the story of someone who fought for our country and survived: James Ratcliff, Korean War veteran and Courtney Kadel’s grandfather.

James was born on January 30, 1958, in Abilene, Texas. He grew up with his parents Bill and Phyllis and his siblings Laydia, Roben, and Rodney; Rodney died at age four. James went to John F. Kennedy Elementary School and lived as a “military brat” with his family. When he was in fifth grade, his family moved to Salina, Kansas, and James then attended South Elementary.

During his high school years, James attended South High. James's favorite subjects in school were English and history, but he also enjoyed accounting and journalism. When James was in high school, he also had a job as a dishwasher at a local restaurant to earn money. He had known he wanted to join the Air Force ever since he was a teenager. His dad had a very important job in the Air Force, so that was an inspiration for James. James graduated high school in 1976 and soon after enlisted in the Air Force and went to basic training.

James attended the Air Force Community College in San Antonio, Texas, and trained October through November the same year he graduated. James learned to become an Aircraft Mechanic Crew Chief instructor. During his training, he made many friends. Later on, he started working on planes.

James said the food was good in the military, and the airmen had certain uniforms they were required to wear. They also had to go to bed at a decent time because they got up early to start working. If anyone was not up and dressed on time, he would have to work extra that day. James never had to face working extra because he was always on time.

Like James said, “Better to be early than late, so you do not have to face a consequence.”

After James was a Master Sergeant, he completed technical school in aircraft maintenance, an NCO Academy graduate associate’s degree in aircraft maintenance technology from the Community College of the Air Force, a USAF Technical Instructor certificate, and USAF First Sergeants Academy. He became a crew chief instructor during the Korean War and his rank was First Sergeant. His first base was Kunsan Air Base in South Korea. He was in the 35th Fighter Squadron and he heard a lot of attacks. While he was stationed in South Korea, he also went to a Jeff Dunham show, which he enjoyed a lot. While James was serving his time in Korea, he sent letters to his daughter, Lacy, and his son, Jason.

While James was in the United States, he served in the Air Force as a First Master Sergeant Chief for two years and said he was impressed to see the Pentagon. James also received several medals for his service including National Defense, Defense of Korea, Air Force Achievement, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal. Additionally, when James was in Texas, they were filming a pilot called Call to Glory with Craig Nelson. James had a one-on-one chat with Craig, which was a memorable experience.

James served in the Air Force for twenty years. When James retired, he said he had done his duty to serve his country and was ready to go back to Kansas. After his military career, James moved a few times but finally settled in Lincoln, Kansas, in his grandmother's house. James worked on the house after he moved in, and he is still working on the house today. Currently, James is the Fourth District Commander for VFW members. After he moved, he also married his high school sweetheart, Susan in 2007. James and Susan have four children between them, as well as eleven grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

Christmas is James's favorite holiday because he likes to see all of his grandchildren. He also loves to decorate his house inside and out. James’s favorite hobbies are spending time with his grandchildren and swimming with them in the summer. He also loves watching football, and his favorite teams are the Chiefs and the Cowboys.

James said, “Freedom means everyone is free and has freedom of speech.” James spent his time in the Air Force for us to be free, and we appreciate his service to his country. We are proud to honor him.