Ralph H. Monaghan » Wall of Honor

A true story of perseverance, Mr. Monaghan lived on his own from the age of fifteen until graduating from Gillespie High School in 1942.  Upon completion of high school, Ralph moved to Chicago to live with his sister, enrolling in Stratton Business College, and later enlisting in the United States Navy during World War II.  Mr. Monaghan became a Navy aviator at the age of nineteen, where he proudly served his country for twenty-two years.  After leaving the military, he began a new career with the Illinois Department of Aeronautics.  He eventually became the chief aircraft pilot for the State of Illinois, where he transported six Illinois governors and other high-ranking officials.