Madison County Democrat

Son Of Local Couple May Get Commission

Sgt. Ralph Watts of New Lexington, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Watts, 29 South Madison Road, London, is near a commission as a second lieutenant in the Ohio National Guard.

If he gets it, he will be the first man from New Lexington in six years to come up through the ranks to a commissioned officer-ship. His final step to the new rank will be taken soon before the board in Columbus, and he will pass easily, Guardsmen who know the sergeant stated.

The New Lexington company was organized June 13, 1947, and Sgt. Watts will be the first man then to start at the bottom and rise to one of the choice ranks. In February 1952 he completed the 16 weeks training course at Ft. Benning, Georgia and finished the Army's Series 10 course, March 13, 1953. The Ft. Benning course was in infantry light and heavy weapons.

Sgt. Watts attended grade school in London and graduated from New Lexington High School in 1949 after an unusual career in athletics. He won three letters in football and one in basketball. For a time he worked with the Smith Construction company and now is employed at the Sheffler Filling station in New Lexington. He and his wife reside at 121 Pleasant St., New Lexington.