Ralph “Red” Hollis (Sept. 10, 1906 – Dec. 7, 1941)
As we take time to remember today, “a date which will live in infamy,” and we reflect on all of the lives lost, we bring our attention to the USS Arizona, where 1,177 crew members lost their lives on this day. Two of those sailors, Ralph “Red” Hollis and Forrest Dana, were founding members of our club.
After serving in the US Navy, Ralph moved to this area and worked with the Palm Beach Fire Department. Later he would join the Palm Beach Police Department, where he worked with fellow police officer Forrest Dana, and set up that agency’s first radio system. During this time he was in the reserves and was called back to active duty. Although he qualified for a deferment, he said his country needed him and he wanted to serve. Unrelated, Forrest Dana would also find himself serving on the US Arizona with Ralph, and they both gave their lives in service of our country on December 7, 1941, aboard the USS Arizona.
Ralph and Forrest were named to the CQ Hall of Fame in 2010.