Richardo Allen Ratti was born on September 3, 1922, at Humacao, P.R., and during his youth saw much of the world traveling with his late father, Captain Augustus P. Ratti of the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey and his mother Mrs. Gertude Ratti. He was graduated from F.A. Bellows High School, Mamaroneck, N.Y., in 1940, and from the Admiral Billard Academy, New London, Conn., in 1941.
Appointed a Cadet on July 24, 1941, he was graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Conn., with a commission of Ensign on June 7, 1944, a year earlier than the normal four-years’ curriculum because of the war emergency. He, therefore, was awarded the B.S. Degree later.
During the remainder of World War II he served as Asst. Damage Control Officer in the patrol frigate USS Glendale (PF-36) in the campaigns at Palau, Ulithi, and the Philippine mop-up, and on Pacific convoy escort duty on board the destroyer USS Poole (DE-151).
From June 1946 to November 1947, he served as Gunnery Officer and Watch Officer in the Coast Guard polar icebreaker Northwind (WAGB-282) in the Arctic and in the Antarctic on “Operation High Jump.” While next stationed at the Coast Guard Marine Inspection Office at San Francisco as Hull and Boiler Inspector as well as Investigator, he attended the University of California in off-duty hours.
From May 1951 to June 1952, he commanded the Coast Guard Loran Transmitting Station on Ebeye Island in the Marshall Islands, Pacific. He next became Executive Officer of the Destroyer Escort USCGC Falgout (WDE-424), based at Seattle, Wash.
In August 1953, he was assigned as full-time student at the George Washington University Law School, Washington, D.C., and after completing his second semester there was awarded the John Ordronaux cash prize for highest average grade. He was awarded the Degree of Juris Doctor with Distinction in February 1956. He also received the John Bell Larner Medal for graduating first in his class. After graduation he was assigned as Law Specialist in the Legal Division at Coast Guard Headquarters until April 1957.
He next commanded the tender Balsam (WAGL-62) out of Honolulu and Ketchikan, Alaska, on aids to navigation logistics and on search and rescue, and on Arctic Resupply Mission, Project 572 West, in 1957. In September 1959, he returned to Headquarters in Washington to serve as Special Assistant to the Chief Counsel and Chief, Legislative Branch.
From June 1964 to September 1966, he commanded the Cutter Storis out of Kodiak, Alaska, on law enforcement patrols, Bering Sea patrol, logistics services to stations and bases, and on search and rescue. That was followed by a duty tour of three years as Legal Officer at the 12th Coast Guard District office in San Francisco.
In August 1969, he returned to Headquarters a third time to assume the post of Chief, Claims and Litigation Division, Office of the Chief Counsel, and as Judge on the U.S. Court of Military Review.
By nomination of the President and approval of the Senate, Capt Ratti was appointed permanent Rear Admiral to rank as such from May 25, 1972. At that time he was designated Inspector General of the Coast Guard.
Other data:
RADM Ratti holds memberships on the Bar of District Court for the District of Columbia, the Court of Appeals, the Court of Military Appeals, the Federal Bar Association, the Order of Coif and Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity.
His World War II campaign medals and ribbons include the following: American Area; American Defense; Asiatic-Pacific (with one bronze combat star for Palau); Philippine Liberation; Navy Occupation Service with Asia Clasp; World War II Victory. He also has the United Nations Service Medal with Korean Clasp; National Defense Service; and Antarctic Service Medal.
Following is a resume of his appointments in rank: Cadet, July 24, 1941; Ensign, June 7, 1944; Lieutenant (jg), November 15, 1946; Lieutenant, July 1, 1950; Lieut. Commander, July 1, 1055; Commander, February 1, 1962; Captain, April 1, 1967; Rear Admiral, May 25, 1972.
RADM Ratti’s wife is the former Ruth Anne H. of Seattle, Wash. They have three daughters and one son: Carolyn J., Christine A., Steven H., Julia K.