Sgt. Maj. Ralph Jr. Larsen

Sergeant Major Ralph Jr. Larsen, of Springtown, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on July 18, 2026. Born on June 1, 1933, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Raymond and Ella Larsen, Ralph’s life was an extraordinary testament to dedication, courage, and enduring love.

Ralph’s legendary career with the United States Marine Corps began when he enlisted on August 4, 1950. After completing recruit training at Parris Island, SC, he was assigned to the Machinegun Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines. Though initially too young to serve in combat, he soon deployed to the Korean War in 1952 as a Corporal and Machinegun Section Leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines.

Following the truce in Korea, Ralph’s assignments took him across the globe. He served in Yokosuka, Japan, as Sergeant of the Guard and NCO liaison to the Japanese Police, and later returned to the States to serve as a Recruiter and Training NCO in Dearborn, MI. From 1958 to 1962, he shaped the next generation of Marines as a Drill Instructor at MCRD Parris Island. Transferred to the Ceremonial Guard Company at the Marine Corps Barracks in Washington, D.C., Ralph achieved global recognition on June 7, 1963. Along with eight other Marines, he broke two world records previously held by the Russians for the highest day and night free-fall parachute jumps, leaping from 44,100 feet at night and 35,000 feet during the day.

In May 1968, he deployed to the Republic of Vietnam, serving as Company Gunnery Sergeant for Companies E and F, and later as Operations Chief for 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, earning a promotion to Master Sergeant. He subsequently served aboard the USS Forrestal as detachment First Sergeant, and later joined the 1st Radio Battalion in Kaneohe Bay, HI, where he was promoted to Sergeant Major in 1973. His final active-duty assignment was as Detachment Sergeant Major at the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks in Fort Leavenworth, KS.

Sergeant Major Larsen retired in September 1977 after nearly 27 years of faithful service. His decorations include the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, the Combat Action Ribbon, and seven Good Conduct Medals. Even in retirement, he remained deeply connected to his military roots as a member of the Marine Corps Cryptologic Association and the Drill Instructor Association.

While his military achievements were vast, Ralph was equally dedicated to his family. In 1952, he married Hiroko “Margie” Suzuki, with whom he shared a beautiful life until her passing in 1976. He was fortunate to find love a second time, marrying Maria “Luz” in 1981, and together they shared 45 wonderful years. At home, Ralph was cherished for his fantastic sense of humor, his sharp mind—frequently exercised through crossword puzzles—and his meticulous yardwork.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Margie; his parents, Ella and Raymond; his brothers, Roger, Richard, and Doug; his daughter, Mylah; and his grandson, Dustin.

His memory will be forever carried on by his devoted wife, Luz; his daughters, Peggy, Nancy, Jennie, Leni, and Lanette; his son, Joe; his grandchildren, David, Lawrence, Nicolette, Jessica, Rory, Ryan, Erica, and Alexi; his great-grandchildren, Lawrence and Morgan; and a host of family, friends, and fellow Marines whose lives he touched.

An inurnment ceremony will be held on 10 November 2026 at 1030 at The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, located at 2177 Puowaina Dr, Honolulu, HI 96813.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, or the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.