RAGAN (Col.) Perry - Putnam

Source: Tulsa Oklahoma Tribune Wed 12 Dec 1951 p 33

Col. Perry C. Ragan, 63, Colorado Springs, former adjutant of the Air Force Technical Training Command in Tulsa died November 29 after becoming suddenly ill at his home, friends here learned today. Col. Ragan served with the headquarters unit of the AF Technical Training Command here in 1941-42. He later went overseas and served in the Pacific Theater.  He had lived at Colorado Springs since 1946 and had retired from the Air Force in 1948.  A leading layman of the Episcopal Church, Col. Ragan had returned only a few days prior to his death from a conference in the east and trip through several states in connection with his work. He and his family were members of the Trinity Episcopal Church when they resided here.  A native of Greencastle, Ind, he entered the Army in World War I and was commissioned as a captain. His first duty was as an infantry commander and battalion commander at Camp Zachary Taylor, Ky.  He later served as inspector general and adjutant there.  He was station ed from 1917-1934 at various posts in the US, Hawaii and Panama. In WWII he served with Gen. George C. Kenney’s headquarters throughout the New Guinea and Philippine campaigns.  Col. Ragan was decorated with the Legion of Merit and Army Commendation ribbon with Oak Leaf Cluster and wore the WWI Medal, the American Defense medal, Pacific theater medal with three campaign stars, the Philippine Liberation ribbon with one star, the Japan Occupation ribbon and the WWII Victory Medal.  After retiring he took special training to fit himself to train other Episcopal laymen to carry the story of the church’s program through a nationwide series of parish meetings. A member of the Grace Episcopal church, Colorado Springs, he also was president of the Colorado diocesan brotherhood assembly and associated field secretary.  Surviving are his wife, two sons, Lt. Col. Perry Ragan, Jr, Scott AF Base, Ill; and David M. Ragan, Colorado Springs; a daughter, Mrs. Nancy T. Wahl, Colorado Springs and his father, Homer B. Ragan, Sherman Oaks, Cal.  Requiem mass was celebrated Dec 3 at the Grace Episcopal Church with Bishop Bowen of Colorado as celebrant. Interment was in Arlington National cemetery last Wednesday.