Military Order of the Daughters and Sons of Ohio
Member jure Ralph Everett Rees (World War II); member no. 48
Member jure Ralph Everett Rees (World War II); member no. 48
The Military Order of the Daughters and Sons of Ohio (MODSO) is a lineage society dedicated to honoring and preserving the legacy of Ohio residents who served in the armed forces of the United States or the British colonial forces before the American Revolutionary War. As part of the Ohio Genealogical Society, MODSO recognizes individuals who can prove descent from these servicemen and women. The society’s mission is to celebrate and document the contributions of these military ancestors, ensuring their sacrifices and stories are remembered for future generations.
One of member of my family who qualifies for recognition by MODSO is my maternal grandfather, Ralph Everett Rees. Ralph served in the Army of the United States during World War II. His service began with a deployment to North Africa, but as Axis forces led by Rommel were retreating, he was redirected and retrained as a paratrooper. On his first jump over Sicily, Ralph was shot in the leg by a Nazi soldier. He endured 12 months as a prisoner of war before being transferred to a military hospital in Long Island, New York. Following his recovery, Ralph returned to Troy, Ohio, where he worked for The Hobart Manufacturing Company. After retiring, he pursued farming in nearby Casstown.
My membership in MODSO allows me to honor Ralph’s bravery and resilience while supporting the society’s mission of preserving Ohio’s rich military history. Through this membership, I aim to contribute to the recognition and appreciation of the countless Ohioans whose service and sacrifices have shaped our nation’s history.