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About PFC Ruth E. Warlick

Ruth E. Warlick Biography

PFC Ruth E. Warlick Post 14 is a vibrant, exciting, and active Veteran Organization located in Southlake, TX. Our mission is to enhance well-being of America's veterans, military, their families, and our communities and school districts by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. Our vision statement is "The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America." Our American Legion's value principles are: Service to veterans, school involvement, recreational programs, and community service. We also provide service in helping veterans with rides to medical appointments and filing a disability claim with the VA. All veterans who have served between Dec 7th, 1941, to present and were honorably discharged are eligible to join the American Legion. Contact your local American Legion Post and see how we may be of service!

Ruth E. Warlick

Ruth Eldeanne Warlick served as a Private First Class in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), assigned to the 1202nd Army Air Force Base Unit during World War II. Born on March 2, 1917, in Goldthwaite, Texas, she enlisted from her home state on March 19, 1944. Before joining the military, Ruth worked as a civilian sales clerk. During her service, she earned multiple honors, including the Gold Star, Purple Heart, World War II Victory Medal, and the American Campaign Medal.

On May 30, 1945, Ruth was a passenger aboard a C-47B Skytrain (tail number 44-76406) belonging to the 1202nd Army Air Force Base Unit. The plane departed from Accra, British West Africa (now Ghana), bound for Liberia, carrying 18 WAC members and three crew. The aircraft made its last radio contact over Takoradi before issuing a distress signal—after which all communication ceased. Despite extensive search efforts, neither the wreckage nor the passengers were ever found. Ruth was declared missing in action and later presumed dead.

Ruth was among 159 WACs who arrived in Accra in November 1944 to support the Air Transport Command, a global operation responsible for transporting troops, supplies, and aircraft to strategic locations around the world. The women assigned to the 1202nd Army Air Force Base Unit were chosen for their maturity and professional experience—averaging 28 years old and coming from diverse backgrounds. Their work demonstrated courage and resilience, embodying the essential contributions of women to the Allied war effort.

Her loss was one of the most tragic single-aircraft incidents involving the Women’s Army Corps during World War II. Ruth’s name is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the North Africa American Cemetery in Carthage, Tunisia, where she is honored for her service. Her case remains listed as “Active Pursuit” by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), signifying continued research and remembrance.

Ruth was survived by her parents, James Orbin Warlick and Ida Elizabeth Sewell Warlick, and her siblings William Oliver, Mary (“Little Mary”), Ila Mae (Whitt), John Adrian, and Paul Sewell Warlick. Though her remains were never recovered, her legacy endures as a testament to the bravery and selflessness of the women who served far from home during World War II.

Ruth E. Warlick on HonorStates.org

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