Ralph DiGia

Released
Date of birth:13. 12. 1914
Date of death:01. 02. 2008
Age:93† Deceased
Gender:Male
Race:White
Era:1940s
State:New York
Time Imprisoned:
3 Years 0 Days
Support
Anti-War Anti-Militarism War Resisters League
No image available

Biography

Ralph DiGia was a New York City accountant and lifelong pacifist who refused to register for the draft in World War II. Convicted in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York; served three years of a 3-year federal sentence (1942-1945) at federal prison camps including Lewisburg, Danbury, and Petersburg. Co-founded the War Resisters League's full-time staff after release; participated in the 1947 "Journey of Reconciliation" (precursor to the Freedom Rides) and the 1951 Paris-to-Moscow peace bicycle ride. Worked at the WRL national office until his death.

Case

United States Penitentiary, Lewisburg
Charges: Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 — refusal to register for the draft.
Arrested: Jun 15, 1942
Incarcerated: Jun 15, 1942
Released: Jun 15, 1945
Sentence: 3 years federal prison; served at Lewisburg, Danbury, and Petersburg.
Convicted: Yes
Institution State: Pennsylvania

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