Ralph Immell

Ralph Immell was born in Blair, Wisconsin, in Trempealeau County, September 1894. He was raised and educated in that area, graduating from Blair high school in 1911. He went on to attend La Crosse State Teachers College (now University of Wisconsin–La Crosse) and earned his teaching certificate in 1915. He taught school for a year, then enrolled in the University of Wyoming in 1916. In Wyoming, he worked as a cattle puncher during the summers and attended the university in the winters; he earned his bachelor's degree there in 1918.

While attending the University of Wyoming, Immell enlisted in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps after the United States entered {{nowrap|World War I}}, and was commissioned a second lieutenant. After his graduation, he deployed to France with the {{nowrap|26th U.S. Infantry Division}}. Immell ultimately served 20 months in France, participating in the Battle of Seicheprey, the Second Battle of the Marne, and the Meuse–Argonne offensive.{{Cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-ralph-immell/160913752/ |title= Blaine Appoints 2 to Official Family |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= May 18, 1922 |page= 4 |accessdate= December 14, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

His service continued after the armistice, as he became a machine gun instructor; he was then promoted to first lieutenant and worked briefly as an instructor on field tactics.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/baraboo-republic-immell-adjutant-general/160916380/ |title= Blaine Names Young Veteran of World War |newspaper= Baraboo Republic |date= May 10, 1923 |page= 6 |accessdate= December 14, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

After returning from the war, Immell attended the University of Wisconsin Law School, graduating in 1921. He became increasingly active in politics, supporting the progressive Republican faction of Robert M. "Fighting Bob" La Follette. While in law school, he had been hired as an assistant to the district attorney of Dane County, Wisconsin, Theodore G. Lewis.

He was appointed executive clerk to governor John J. Blaine in January 1922, and was quickly promoted to executive secretary, which was at the time the top appointed job in the governor's personal office.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal/101425469/ |title= Overseas Vets on Governor's Staff |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= February 1, 1922 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 14, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} During 1922, Immell also volunteered throughout the state working for La Follette's U.S. Senate re-election campaign.

Following the February 1923 death of adjutant general Orlando Holway, Blaine shocked the state political apparatus by appointing the 28-year-old Immell as Holway's successor.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell-adjutant-genera/160915386/ |title= Immell Appointed Adjutant General |date= May 3, 1923 |newspaper= The Capital Times |accessdate= December 14, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} In some newspapers, the appointment was mocked and derided; opponents referred to Immell as the "Boy General", and pointed out he had little experience with the Wisconsin National Guard and almost no experience with command.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/platteville-witness-immell-adjutant-gene/160915848/ |title= Blaine Appoints "Boy" General |newspaper= Platteville Witness |date= May 9, 1923 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 14, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

Immell took office at a time when the Wisconsin Legislature was keen to slash the National Guard budget; under those cuts, Immell oversaw a reorganization of the Wisconsin Guard.{{Cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-wng-reorg/160916865/ |title= Madison Company May Go |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= May 19, 1923 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 14, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} To supplement state funding, Immell aggressively sought reimbursement from the federal government for state guard materiel that had been nationalized for the war effort during {{nowrap|World War I.}} In his second year as adjutant general, he began a bi-monthly magazine for all guard members, called the Wisconsin National Guard Review.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-national-guard-magazin/161262025/ |title= Guardsmen's Paper |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= January 16, 1924 |page= 10 |accessdate= December 20, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} That same year, he was officially conferred the rank of brigadier general by the United States Department of War.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-general-immell/161262406/ |title= Immell Receives U.S. Recognition as Army Officer |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= March 15, 1924 |page= 7 |accessdate= December 20, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} In December 1924, Immell provoked statewide controversy by predicting another world war within five years.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-world-war-predic/161263728/ |title= War in 5 Years, Immell Warns |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= December 10, 1924 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 20, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

After the 1926 elections, it was rumored that Immell would resign as adjutant general to serve as private secretary to John J. Blaine, who had just been elected {{nowrap|U.S. senator.}} Other rumors suggested he would be appointed deputy attorney general under John W. Reynolds Sr.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161268597/ |title= Immell to Retire? |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= December 15, 1926 |page= 9 |accessdate= December 20, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Immell denied the rumors, however, and attempted to continue as adjutant general under the new governor Fred R. Zimmerman. Zimmerman was also a Republican, but had won the Republican nomination as a compromise candidate between progressives and stalwarts; he sought to remove Immell from office early in 1927, inquiring into whether his initial appointment had been legally valid.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell-zimmerman/161269005/ |title= Removal of Immell Sought, Claim |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= February 17, 1927 |first= Fred L. |last= Holmes |page= 1 |accessdate= December 20, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} During the controversy, Immell received a strong vote of support from the regimental commanders in the Guard, who described him as one of the best leaders the Wisconsin Guard had had up to that point.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-politics/161269386/ |title= Politics |last= Evjue |first= William T. |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= February 19, 1927 |page= 11 |accessdate= December 20, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Ultimately Zimmerman dropped his attempts to remove Immell, after the state attorney general gave an opinion unfavorable to his removal rationale.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-tribune-immell-zimmerman/161269648/ |title= Says Governor Cannot Remove Ralph Immell |newspaper= Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune |date= March 2, 1927 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 20, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

After an inspection of Wisconsin National Guard units in 1927, assistant secretary of war Hanford MacNider declared that it was the finest guard organization in the country. By his recommendation, Immell was admitted to a 40-day course at the United States Army War College on organization and logistics. Immell would later say that it was here that he first met Dwight D. Eisenhower.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-wis-guard/161271569/ |title= U.S. Army Official Praises Work of Gen. Ralph Immell |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= November 6, 1927 |page= 28 |accessdate= December 20, 2024 |via =Newspapers.com }} At the end of the year, Immell was designated as a representative of the Sixth Corps Area to a committee to streamline Guard regulations and training to more easily nationalize Guard units in times of war.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161271964/ |title= Immell Will Help Suggest Changes in Rules of Army |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= November 26, 1927 |page= 5 |accessdate= December 20, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} The following year, he attended another course on military intelligence.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161273930/ |title= Immell to Attend U.S. War College |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= November 23, 1928 |page= 7 |accessdate= December 20, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

In the Summer of 1928, Immell was badly injured in an automobile hit-and-run near his home in Maple Bluff, Wisconsin. He suffered a fractured skull, a broken collar bone, two broken ribs, and severe bruising, coming close to death. He was hospitalized for nearly two weeks.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell-hospitalized/161272543/ |title= Ralph Immell Seriously Hurt |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= June 16, 1928 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 20, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell/161272802/ |title= Immell Expected to Survive Accident |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= June 17, 1928 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 20, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} He returned to his normal duties later that year.{{cite news |date=July 1, 1928 |title=Ralph Immell Released From St. Mary's Hospital |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell-recovering/161273015/ |accessdate=December 20, 2024 |newspaper=The Capital Times |page=1 |via=Newspapers.com}}

In October 1929, Immell was elected president of the Sixth Corps in the National Guard Association of the United States.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161274878/ |title= Gen. Ralph Immell Heads Sixth Corps; Elected Saturday |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= October 21, 1929 |page= 19 |accessdate= December 20, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Two years later, he was elected president of the National Adjutants General Association.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161295044/ |title= Immell Heads Nat'l Adj. Gen. Group |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= May 4, 1931 |page= 5 |accessdate= December 21, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Under new progressive governor Philip La Follette in 1931, Immell was again rumored to be appointed to another post (this time state insurance commissioner), but he remained adjutant general through another gubernatorial term.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-insurance-commissioner/161295077/ |title= Mortenson Will Succeed Milton Freedy? |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= June 17, 1931 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 21, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} He was, however, also appointed to serve on the state Conservation Commission.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/beaver-dam-daily-citizen-conservation-co/161295127/ |title= Gov. La Follette Appoints Two to Fill Vacancies |newspaper= Beaver Dam Daily Citizen |date= September 2, 1931 |page= 5 |accessdate= December 21, 2024 |via=Newspapers.com }} As part of his service on the Conservation Commission, he was granted broad executive authority to reorganize the department to decentralize functions to several regional conservation officers.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-conservation-reg/161308440/ |title= Set Sweeping Badger Game Body Changes |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= October 13, 1931 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 21, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Immell also took charge of a new forest fire prevention and reforestation program. The forestry program was also intended to work as a jobs program to fight the unemployment crisis in the midst of the Great Depression; it served as a state-level forerunner of the federal Civilian Conservation Corps that would be implemented under the Roosevelt administration. At the time, the program was described as the most extensive reforestation program ever attempted by a state government.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-conservation-jobs-prog/161310026/ |title= Phil Tells of Conservation Work Results |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= August 30, 1932 |page= 5 |accessdate= December 21, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} This program, however, also took criticism for paying significant salaries to progressive allies of Governor La Follette and bypassing civil service hiring rules.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/iron-county-miner-forest-fire-fund/161309294/ |title= Huge Leaks Uncovered in Unemployment Fund |newspaper= Iron County Miner |date= June 3, 1932 |page= 2 |accessdate= December 21, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Shortly after Roosevelt's inauguration, Immell traveled to Washington with new governor Albert G. Schmedeman to make a case for a federal loan to support the state's finances; for his part, Immell gave a presentation on the work of the state reforestation program to the United States Forest Service and to Roosevelt himself.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oshkosh-northwestern-wisconsin-new-d/161311420/ |title= Badgers Giving Suggestions at Washington D.C. |newspaper= Oshkosh Northwestern |date= April 10, 1933 |page= 3 |accessdate= December 21, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

Although closely identified with the prior progressive administration, Immell ingratiated himself with the new Democratic governor, Schmedeman, in 1933. From his post as adjutant general, Immell took charge of managing the divisive and politically sensitive issue of the depression-driven milk strikes.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-milk-strikes/161312805/ |title= Milk Rebellion Brews in Dane County |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= May 14, 1933 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 21, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} In the lead up to the violence, Immell offered to send in 2,500 members of the National Guard, and to supply them with tear gas.{{Cite book |last=Kasparek |first=Jonathan |title=Fighting Son: A Biography of Philip F. La Follette |publisher=Wisconsin Historical Society |year=2006 |isbn=978-0-87020-353-4 |pages=}}{{rp|p=147}} The most severe hotspots were in the Fox River valley and northeast, where Immell dispatched a battalion of guardsmen to patrol strike zones with rifles and fixed bayonets.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-milk-strikes-tur/54720708/ |title= Rout Strikers in Appleton |newspaper= Green Bay Press-Gazette |date= May 18, 1933 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 21, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Immell had several sharp personal exchanges with Milk Pool president Walter Singler, a leader of the strike movement, over who was to blame for strike violence.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-milk-strike/161313099/ |title= State May Hold Singler Liable for Strike Violence |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= May 15, 1933 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 21, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} For their part, milk pool organizers accused Immell of provoking the violence with the use of militia, calling him a "military dictator".{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-milk-strike/161313870/ |title= State Milk Strike Called Off; 5,000 Farmers March on City |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= May 19, 1933 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 21, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Politically, Immell and the strike response became a cudgel that the some progressives used to damage the Democratic governor, Schmedeman, among farm and labor ranks. Although La Follette was said to disapprove of the effort, progressives in the Legislature pushed for an investigation of Immell's conduct, and only relented after Schmedeman took personal responsibility for ordering Immell to deploy the National Guard.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-politics/161368951/ |title= Around the Statehouse |last= Everett |first= Winter |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= May 24, 1933 |page= 3 |accessdate= December 22, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-milk-strike-probe/161369744/ |title= Kill Plan for Troop Probe in Milk Strike |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= June 14, 1933 |page= 2 |accessdate= December 22, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Schmedeman gave another vote of confidence to Immell that summer, when he reappointed him to the state Conservation Commission.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-governor-appoint/161370117/ |title= Governor Puts Bieberstein on Service Board |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= July 7, 1933 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 22, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Later that year, he became acting director of the Conservation Department due to the resignation of the previous director, and then became chairman of the Conservation Commission.

Despite the milk strike controversy, Immell had earned significant public affection; he was a prolific public speaker at nonpartisan patriotic gatherings throughout the state, and had developed a reputation for diligence, competence, and economy for his efforts reorganizing the National Guard, managing state emergencies, and developing state conservation (employment) programs. Early in 1934, newspapers began to speculate about Immell making a run for governor of Wisconsin as a Republican compromise candidate between progressive and stalwart factions.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell/161373607/ |title= General Ralph Immell |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= January 19, 1934 |page= 4 |accessdate= December 22, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/two-rivers-reporter-immell-governor/161374769/ |title= Ralph Immell |newspaper= Two Rivers Reporter |date= January 24, 1934 |page= 3 |accessdate= December 22, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Immell's gubernatorial chances in 1934 effectively evaporated when the Wisconsin Progressive Party formally voted to split from the Republicans, ending the possibility of a compromise nomination. Nevertheless, Immell's supporters represented a significant bloc of progressive Republican voters, and wooing Immell into their faction was described as an existential necessity for the new Progressive Party.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-waukesha-county-freeman-immell/161377299/ |title= Controls Party's Fate |newspaper= Waukesha Freeman |date= June 8, 1934 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 22, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Immell decided to join the progressives, and Philip La Follette ultimately went on to win the 1934 gubernatorial election, running on the Progressive ticket.

Also in 1934, Immell received a commission from President Franklin Roosevelt as a brigadier general in the United States Army Adjutant General's Corps.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell-adj-gen-c/161376873/ |title= Immell is Named Brigadier General |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= May 23, 1934 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 22, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} In the fall, Immell's former patron John J. Blaine died. After his death, a movement was made among progressive allies to see Immell appointed to Blaine's seat on the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, but he ultimately did not received the appointment. The next year, however, he did receive a federal appointment as Wisconsin director of the Works Progress Administration. His appointment had been recommended by La Follette.{{rp|p=187}} This appointment was another indicator of his clout among Wisconsin progressives and was seen as an olive branch to La Follette's supporters, as Roosevelt's projects had struggled to gain approval in the Wisconsin Legislature; the appointment also incensed Wisconsin Democrats who had expected the job to go to the former governor, Schmedeman, or another Wisconsin Democrat.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell-wpa/161379826/ |title= Name Ralph Immell State Works Chief After Phil's 'Talk' |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= July 2, 1935 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 22, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Democrats further alleged that La Follette was conspiring to sabotage the program and that Immell would use the federal money as a slush fund to give salaries to progressive allies; Wisconsin labor unions also attacked the appointment, worried that Immell would be unfriendly to their interests.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-wi-afl-immell/161425717/ |title= Labor Attacks Cashman for Immell Action |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= July 26, 1935 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Shortly after accepting the appointment, he resigned from the state Conservation Commission and also requested a leave of absence from his role as adjutant general to focus on his W.P.A. responsibilities.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-immell/161426809/ |title= Quits Another Job |newspaper= Green Bay Press-Gazette |date= July 27, 1935 |page= 4 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

Within two months of his appointment, Immell and La Follette had received federal approval for over $16,000,000 in W.P.A. projects, initially supporting 25,000 Wisconsin jobs.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-wpa-in-wisconsin/161428981/ |title= 25,000 to Get WPA Jobs Next Week |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= September 6, 1935 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} By mid-November, more than 55,000 Wisconsin jobs had been created by W.P.A. projects.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-wpa-in-wi/161430675/ |title= Nearing Job Quota |newspaper= Green Bay Press-Gazette |date= November 7, 1935 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via =Newspapers.com }} Immell also reported at that time that 96.8% of those employed by W.P.A. were previously receiving emergency unemployment assistance.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-wpa-in-wi/161431167/ |title= 96.8% of WPA Workers from Relief List |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= November 12, 1935 |page= 8 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Wisconsin Democrats, however, continued their attacks against Immell, and pursued legislative investigations into his management of the W.P.A.{{Cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-wpa-in-wi/161431722/ |title= WPA Proberts Cite Immell for Contempt |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= December 2, 1935 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Wisconsin's Democratic {{nowrap|U.S. senator}} {{nowrap|F. Ryan Duffy}} also joined in the attacks, calling for a federal investigation of Immell's administration. The regional W.P.A. office in Illinois ultimately performed an evaluation of Immell and the Wisconsin W.P.A. and determined that his administration was free of nepotism and political favoritism.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-wpa-in-wi/161432126/ |title= W.P.A. 100% Free of Nepotism, Political Favoritism, Edict |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= December 5, 1935 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

Immell resigned from the W.P.A. role in February 1936, stating in his resignation letter that he considered his duty completed by organizing and standing up the W.P.A. in Wisconsin, but pointed out that he believed that the program could have benefited from more input at the federal level from La Follette, who had in the past criticized the W.P.A for being insufficient compared to his own failed plan, the Wisconsin Works Bill.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell-wpa/161434036/ |title= Here are Gen. Immell's Letters and Telegrams Preceding Resignation |newspaper =Wisconsin State Journal |date= February 1, 1936 |page= 2 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}{{rp|p=187}} Immell's resignation immediately touched off new speculation about whether he would seek another office.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell/161434341/ |title= Immell Off for Capital While New Rumors Fly |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= February 2, 1936 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Two months later, he also informed the National Adjutants General Association that he would not accept another term as president of that organization.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-post-crescent-immell/161435373/ |title= Immell Tells Group He Won't Be Leader Again |newspaper= The Post-Crescent |date= March 31, 1936 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Although he had resigned from the state Conservation Commission the previous year, he had continued in an acting role pending the selection of a replacement; after his resignation from the W.P.A., La Follette reappointed him to the Conservation Commission, succeeding himself until his final resignation in March 1938.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161435128/ |title= Reveal Secret Resignation of Gen. Immell |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= March 27, 1936 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

After La Follette was re-elected as governor in 1936, speculation began that La Follette would run for U.S. Senate in 1938 and that Immell would run to succeed him as governor. Vocal factions for and against the Immell candidacy quickly announced themselves in progressive newspapers, debating the issue for most of 1937 and into 1938; one of the leading opponents of the Immell candidacy was William T. Evjue, the influential editor of The Capital Times. Responding to the agitation, La Follette indicated he would run for re-election as governor, and Immell's supporters began pushing for Immell as a candidate for U.S. Senate instead.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-politics/161439452/ |title= Around the Statehouse |first= Winter |last= Everett |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= November 9, 1937 |page= 4 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via =Newspapers.com }} Ultimately it was revealed that La Follette had been attempting to build a national progressive party and had not planned to run for office in 1938 in order to focus on building this third party; he had been responsible for much of the support for Immell's candidacy, but could not control the rebellion from inside his party.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-politics/161441123/ |title= Around the Statehouse |first= Winter |last= Everett |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= February 9, 1938 |page= 4 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Immell faced strong opposition from progressive farmer and labor groups, who stated that they "could not forget" his role in the 1933 milk strikes.{{Cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-farm-labor-progr/161440267/ |title= FLP Conferees Dig Up Five Senate Candidates |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= January 24, 1938 |page= 2 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} La Follette was ultimately compelled to tell a private group of Progressive Party leaders that he would not push for an Immell nomination for Senate, and Immell did not enter either race.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-politics/161437374/ |title= Around the Statehouse |first= Winter |last =Everett |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= December 16, 1936 |page= 4 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-politics/161437938/ |title= Around the Statehouse |first= Winter |last =Everett |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= April 29, 1937 |page= 4 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

Although his plans were changed, La Follette continued his effort to turn the Wisconsin Progressive Party into a new national party.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-national-progressives/161443145/ |title= Issue Articles for National Progressive Party; Phil to Head Group |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= May 3, 1938 |page= 8 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via =Newspapers.com }} Since Immell had been unable to run for either elected office in 1938, La Follette appointed him to head the new "National Progressives of America".{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-national-progressives/161443660/ |title= Gen. Ralph Immell Named Director of New National Party |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= May 16, 1938 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} The Progressive Party went on to lose both 1938 Wisconsin elections, effectively dooming the project.

After the progressive defeat in the 1938 elections, the incoming Republican governor, Julius P. Heil, asked Immell to refrain from political activity if he intended to retain the office of adjutant general. Immell complied and resigned as executive director of La Follette's National Progressives.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161462964/ |title= Immell Will Relinquish NPA Position Due to Heil's Election |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= November 29, 1938 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} In January 1939, Immell was commissioned as a brigadier general in the National Guard of the United States by President Roosevelt.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-appointees/161463304/ |title= FDR Names Ex-Sen. Pope to TVA Post |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= January 5, 1939 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 24, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

In 1937, Immell had attended the dedication of the Meuse-Argonne American Memorial in France at the invitation of General John J. Pershing. While in Europe, he also spent time studying European tanks and mechanized military equipment, and conversing with several European military counterparts.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161438536/ |title= Immell Returns from Europe |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= September 7, 1937 |page= 12 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} His discussions led him to the conclusion that the risk of war was receding in Europe because the Spanish Civil War had not resulted in a quick and decisive victory for either side, demonstrating roughly equal advances in offensive and defensive weaponry and tactics.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-oshkosh-northwestern-immell/161439159/ |title= Immell Says Defenses on Ground Preclude Dangers of Warfare |newspaper= Oshkosh Northwestern |date= October 12, 1937 |page= 15 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} As Germany began agitating for the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland in 1938, Immell modified his stance, suggesting open warfare was still at least a year away; he suggested that the United States should remain out of the fighting, but advocated for massive investment in Naval and Air power to deter potential attackers.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161441555/ |title= Right Leaders Can Keep U.S. Out of Battle |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= February 13, 1938 |page= 4 |accessdate= December 23, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}{{Cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-politics/161463100/ |title= Around the Statehouse |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |first= Everett |last= Winter |date= December 1, 1938 |page= 4 |accessdate= December 24, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} By April 1939, Immell had begun warning audiences at his frequent public speaking sessions that another European war was now inevitable, and would likely be disastrous and protracted. However, he still believed that America could stay out of the war, serve as an example in cleaning up its own economic situation, and step in to assist in the aftermath.

He also frequently reiterated his recommendation to invest in the United States naval and air forces to deter attacks in the western hemisphere.{{Cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/marshfield-news-herald-war-inevitable/161463877/ |title= War is Inevitable Says Ralph Immell |newspaper= Marshfield News-Herald |date= May 19, 1939 |page= 2 |accessdate= December 24, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} National Guard activity ramped up considerably after the invasion of Poland in September, as Roosevelt authorized additional recruiting and funding. As France fell, Immell made frequent trips to Washington, D.C., to update plans for the possibility that the United States could be dragged into the war; Wisconsin outfitted and trained their Guard on new mechanized equipment, planned processes for rapid mobilization, and prepared for induction of conscripts.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-politics/161484206/ |title= Around the Statehouse |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |first= Winter |last =Everett |date= June 14, 1940 |page= 4 |accessdate= December 24, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Wisconsin also began planning a second reserve, referred to as a Home Guard, which would stand up to defend industrial areas in Wisconsin in the event that the Guard were deployed overseas.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-home-guard/161889919/ |title= Home Guard of 2,400 Men, Plan for State |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= October 4, 1940 |page= 22 |accessdate= December 30, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Also, after years of advocating for an air squadron in Wisconsin, Immell's calls were answered in July 1940 when the Wisconsin National Guard was allotted its first air unit, the 126th Air Observation Squadron.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-air-squadron/161486036/ |title= State Gets Guard Air Squadron |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= July 12, 1940 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 24, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

Immell continued to advocate a defensive posture in America, which brought him into direct conflict with Evjue and The Capital Times again. Evjue was a strident advocate for early American intervention in Europe.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell-evjue/161486527/ |title= Gen. Immell Attacks Evjue Before Legion |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= July 27, 1940 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 24, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Many in the Wisconsin news media continued to speculate that Immell would run for Governor in 1940, but he made no effort in politics during these years—even to endorse another candidate.

In October 1940, Wisconsin's first Guard units were activated for federal service, to participate in one year of training and preparedness drills following an order from President Roosevelt.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-guard-activated/161890370/ |title= Immell Orders Guard Units to Duty Tuesday |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= October 9, 1940 |page= 2 |accessdate= December 30, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}{{Cite web|url= https://www.nationalguard.mil/portals/31/Documents/About/Publications/Documents/Fact%20Sheet%20-%20National%20Guard%20In%20World%20War%20II.pdf |title= The National Guard in World War II |website= National Guard Bureau |accessdate= December 30, 2024 }} Immell's speeches in the state began to turn toward a focus on logistical issues of agriculture and industry for feeding and supplying American forces if they are called into war.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-ag-council/161891299/ |title= Ag Council to Meet Nov. 19–20 |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= November 6, 1940 |page= 2 |accessdate= December 30, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} He also began advocating for massive U.S. aide shipments to Britain and Greece, who were then some of the last holdouts against the Axis in continental Europe. At the end of the year, Immell was commissioned a brigadier general in the regular U.S. Army, by President Roosevelt.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell/161892029/ |title= FDR Names Immell General in Regular Army |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= December 19, 1940 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 30, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

After their year on active duty, Wisconsin's Guard units began returning home shortly before the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. On the day of the attack, Immell was preparing to travel to Louisiana to visit Wisconsin Guard units of the 32nd Infantry Division still training.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-heil-immell/161895599/ |title= Heil, Immell to Visit Army Camp |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= December 7, 1941 |page= 4 |accessdate= December 30, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Following the declaration of war against Japan, Immell and Governor Heil announced that all state personnel and facilities were prepared to serve the war effort; Immell sent word to Wisconsin local officials and law enforcement to be on guard for sabotage and espionage operations at critical infrastructure.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-sabotage-warning/161896105/ |title= Beware Sabotage, Immell Tells Officers Here |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= December 10, 1941 |page= 3 |accessdate= December 30, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Their visit to Louisiana went on as planned.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-heil-immell/161895852/ |title= Heil in South to Inspect 32nd Division |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= December 9, 1941 |page= 12 |accessdate= December 30, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Shortly after their return, Heil announced that Immell would act as coordinator for all military cooperation between the state and federal government.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-defense/161896842/ |title= These from Madison turn State's Defense into Strong Offense |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= December 31, 1941 |page= 46 |accessdate= December 30, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

Through much of 1942, Immell continued the effort of organizing Wisconsin's home guard units, coordinating additional military training, facilities, and logistical duties with the federal government, and advising the governor on military affairs. Immell, however, was intent on active duty in the war; he had begun pursuing an active duty appointment shortly after Pearl Harbor, and had publicly lamented being left behind in Wisconsin while his National Guard "family" was deployed or was preparing to deploy overseas. In October 1942, Immell was finally accepted to active duty in the {{nowrap|United States Army,}} and took a leave of absence from his role as adjutant general.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell-to-active/161908410/ |title= Immell Enters U.S. Army |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= October 10, 1942 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 30, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} He had to accept demotion to the rank of colonel for his initial role, but was immediately deployed to Morocco, attached to the headquarters of supply for the American forces supporting Operation Torch—the Allied invasion of North Africa.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell-morocco/161908978/ |title= Col. Immell in Africa; Billeted with Three Other Local Officers |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= December 27, 1942 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 30, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} After Allied forces took control of the region, Immell became a military administrator in Morocco for several months, overseeing logistics, engineers, and hospitals, and coordinating with the Moroccan and French government. For his service, Immell was made a member of the honorific Order of Ouissam Alaouite by Sultan Mohammed V.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161962800/ |title= Col. Immell Decorated by Sultan of Morocco |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= September 29, 1943 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

After Morocco, Immell followed the Allied advance through Tunisia before being ordered to take command of the Allied-occupied Algiers region. This assignment came with challenging cleanup and policing responsibilities in the critical port city, and additional political and diplomatic duties. Immell's talent for storytelling served him well, and he was well-liked by local Muslim leaders, French administrators, and Allied officers. He was present at Oran at the arrival of President Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and General George C. Marshall. In late 1943, Immell was promoted back to the rank of brigadier general and ordered to Naples to serve as military commandant for the Naples metropolitan region.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161963352/ |title= Immell Nominated for Brigadier General |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= January 21, 1944 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell/161963559/ |title= Immell Commands Naples Area |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= February 2, 1944 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell-p1/161965158/ |title= Commanding in Naples, Immell Can Call Upon Hard-Won Experience |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= February 3, 1944 |page=1 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell-p2/161965093/ |title= Immell Adds to His Stature |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= February 3, 1944 |page= 2 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Immell served the first half of 1944 in command at Naples, and was honored as a grand officer in the Order of the Crown of Italy by the Italian Crown Prince, Umberto, largely in recognition for his work stopping a Typhus epidemic and restoring civil order; earlier in 1944, he was honored as a cavalier magistrate in the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, and received an honorary degree of doctor of laws from the University of Naples Federico II.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161966840/ |title= Italy Honors Gen. Immell |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= September 5, 1944 |page= 10 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

Through his administrative work in North Africa and Italy, Immell earned a reputation as a tactful problem-solver. On July 1, 1944, Immell was made deputy commander of the logistical operations for the Sixth United States Army Group, preparing for Operation Dragoon—the Allied invasion of southern France.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161968356/ |title= Immell Has Key Post in Invasion of South France |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= October 25, 1944 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} For his role in the liberation of France, the French government awarded him the {{nowrap|Legion of Honour}} and the {{nowrap|Croix de Guerre.}}{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell-leave/161969582/ |title= Gen. Immell Remains Silent on Exploits |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= November 7, 1944 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

He was granted a 30-day furlough to return to Wisconsin at the end of 1944, and was awarded the U.S. Legion of Merit for his service in North Africa and Italy; the citation commended Immell for his diplomatic finesse with the African and French administrators in North Africa, and recognized him for establishing and managing the largest supply depot in the North Africa campaign; they further thanked him for his work in Italy, reducing the spread of venereal disease among U.S. military personnel, and recovering hundreds of stolen American government vehicles.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell-merit/161970666/ |title= General Immell Awarded Legion of Merit |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= January 31, 1945 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

Immell spent the first half of 1945 back in Europe, supporting the advance into Germany. In June, he was sent back for another brief visit to the United States and met with the new president, Harry Truman, during his visit.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell-truman/161971649/ |title= Gen. Immell Calls on Pres. Truman |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= June 12, 1945 |page= 14 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} During this summer, the Wisconsin political press again began speculating about Immell's future as a candidate for governor.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell-truman/161971649/ |title= For Immell For Governor |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= July 13, 1945 |page= 16 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Before he could return to Europe, Immell was given a new assignment, to remain in Washington, D.C., and work on plans for post-war training and maintenance of the American armed forces as part of a committee reporting to Army Chief of Staff George C. Marshall.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell/161972125/ |title= Immell to Plan Peacetime Training |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= July 24, 1945 |page= 14 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} In September, President Truman nominated Immell for promotion to the rank of major general at the recommendation of General Thomas B. Larkin.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161972444/ |title= Immell is Nominated for Promotion to Major General |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= September 11, 1945 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} The Senate confirmed his promotion later that month.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell/161973491/ |title= Senate Approves Immell Promotion |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= September 26, 1945 |page= 1 |accessdate =December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

Immell received the Army Distinguished Service Medal and retired from active duty in November 1945, reverting to his rank of brigadier general in the National Guard.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161975983/ |title= Immell Gets DSM; Leaves Service Tuesday |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= November 2, 1945 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} In receiving the medal, he was recognized for his logistical accomplishments in the liberation of France and Germany, arranging the equipping and arming of the French Forces of the Interior when the liberation began, having the foresight to restart lumber and coal production from captured German territory in the Saarland, and his efficient management of the complex rail, bridge, and road supply network.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell-retiremen/161976564/ |title= Leaving Army, Immell Receives DSM |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= November 2, 1945 |page= 2 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

With Immell's retirement from active duty, speculation intensified that he would run for governor in 1946. The Wisconsin Progressive Party was then in significant decline, and both Progressive and Republican leadership had made moves in recent years toward rebuilding their former coalition. Immell hoped to run for governor as a Republican with progressive support, taking the model that had worked for incumbent governor Walter Samuel Goodland in the 1944 election. Goodland and Immell had several discussions, and some in the Wisconsin political press believed that Goodland, then 83 years old, was soliciting Immell to step in as his successor. That plan fell apart in March 1946 when Goodland instead announced that he would run for a third term as governor.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/leader-telegram-immell/162004022/ |title= Goodland's Candidacy Was Blow to Hopes of Ralph M. Immell |first= John |last= Wyngaard |newspaper= Eau Claire Leader-Telegram |date= March 28, 1946 |page= 14 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} That same month, the Wisconsin Progressive Party voted to disband and rejoin the Republican Party, largely to support the re-election chances of progressive U.S. senator Robert M. La Follette Jr., who would likely benefit from an explicit alliance with the popular Goodland. The progressive leadership urged Immell to run instead for lieutenant governor.

At the Republican state convention in May, however, another twist occurred as Republican delegates declined to endorse Goodland's re-election, instead supporting conservative West Bend businessman Delbert J. Kenny.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-gubernatorial-ra/162005694/ |title= GOP Rebuffs Goodland; Immell to Run |newspaper= Green Bay Press-Gazette |date= May 6, 1946 |page= 1 |accessdate= January 1, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }} Within days, Immell decided that the time was right for him to run for governor;{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/162004528/ |title= Immell to Run for Governor as GOP, Word |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= May 5, 1946 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} he formally entered the Republican Party gubernatorial primary and retired as adjutant general of Wisconsin a few days later.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/161978140/ |title= Immell to Quit as Adjutant General, Word |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= February 10, 1946 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/162004602/ |title= Ralph Immell Announces Candidacy for Governorship |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= May 6, 1946 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 31, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} With the floodgates opened, two previous 1944 candidates also entered the gubernatorial race: progressive Ralph F. Amoth and stalwart Otto R. Werkmeister.

The campaign was initially cordial between Immell and Goodland, with Goodland even commenting that he thought Immell would make a good governor, but things turned bitter between the two as the third significant primary candidate, Kenny, quickly faded into obscurity. As a first time candidate, Immell struggled early in the campaign to adjust to political speechmaking, but he hired experienced advisors and ultimately ran a strong campaign, consolidating much of the progressive voter base. He also benefited from the fact that the 83-year-old Goodland was unable to campaign extensively on the road.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-politics/162026406/ |title= The Wisconsin Political Scene |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= July 21, 1946 |page= 7 |first= Miles |last= McMillin |accessdate= January 1, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }} With Delbert Kenny failing to capture any popular support, however, conservative Republicans began rallying to Goodland as the only vehicle to stop the progressives from recapturing the governor's office. The progressive voter base that Immell was relying on was also significantly diminished from past elections—while the Progressive Party leadership had voted to rejoin the Republican Party, that sentiment was hardly unanimous among progressive voters, and many ultimately joined the Democrats instead, removing themselves from the Republican primary electorate. In the end Goodland prevailed by 3.4% of the vote and went on to win re-election. Additionally, Goodland had decided to endorse La Follette's opponent in the Senate primary, Joseph McCarthy.{{rp|p=248}} Some Wisconsin newspapers speculated that Immell's campaign also ultimately doomed Robert La Follette Jr.'s re-election chances, as conservatives who may have been inclined to support him were alienated by his close support for Immell; La Follette lost his election by just 2,000 votes.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-lafollette/162155885/ |title= GOP 'Disguise' Costly for Bob |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= August 15, 1946 |page= 2 |accessdate= January 3, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }}

Goodland died two months into his third term and was succeeded by his lieutenant governor, Oscar Rennebohm. Immell was widely expected to run for governor again in 1948, but after his election primary loss he had returned to his military career. In March 1947, he was appointed commander of the famous 101st Airborne Division, which at that time was a reserve unit.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell-101st/162156291/ |title= Immell to Head Airborne Division |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= March 12, 1947 |page= 10 |accessdate= January 3, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }} This was likely a short term honorific post, as Immell continued to working in Madison and speaking around Wisconsin during this time.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/162156425/ |title= Immell to Head Airborne Division |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= June 15, 1947 |page= 1 |accessdate= January 3, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }} After just a few months, Immell was transferred to command the {{nowrap|84th Airborne Division}}, also in reserve status.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell/162156477/ |title= Immell Leads 5th Army Unit |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= September 12, 1947 |page= 1 |accessdate= January 3, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }} Just after the 1948 Czechoslovak coup d'état, Immell gathered the officers of the 84th Division and instructed them to prepare themselves for the possibility of another war.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-84th-infantry/162156556/ |title= 'Condition Minds for Mobilization or War,' Immell Tells Reserve Officers of 84th Airborned Group Here |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= March 21, 1948 |page= 1 |accessdate= January 3, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }}

In early 1948, Immell also began working publicly for the presidential campaign of General Douglas MacArthur as a national campaign coordinator. MacArthur hoped to win the Wisconsin presidential primary in April, and was supported by much of the remaining La Follette apparatus in the state.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-politics/162156950/ |title= The Wisconsin Political Scene |first= Miles |last= McMillin |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= January 18, 1948 |page= 17 |accessdate= January 3, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }} The primary became another proxy battle between progressive and conservative factions in Wisconsin, as conservative U.S. senator Joseph McCarthy endorsed MacArthur's opponent, Minnesota U.S. senator Harold Stassen. Stassen's victory was yet another indicator of the waning power of the progressive faction in the state.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-politics/162265312/ |title= Phil-Immell Plans Take a Jolt, Shift |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= April 8, 1948 |first= Rex |last= Karney |page= 6 |accessdate= January 4, 2025 |via=Newspapers.com }}

Ultimately, despite the setback for the progressives in the Spring election, Immell did launch another campaign for governor in 1948. In the Republican primary, he got a head-to-head matchup against the incumbent, Rennebohm. He improved his vote share and raw vote total from 1946, but still fell far short of Rennebohm, who received 58% of the vote.

Rennebohm did not run for re-election in 1950, and a movement was made again among Immell's supporters to convince him to make another run, but he forcefully declined.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/162927789/ |title= Immell Says He Won't Be Candidate |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= June 9, 1950 |page= 21 |accessdate= January 13, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }}

Immell never ran for office again and scaled back his public speaking, but remained somewhat active in politics. He was a strong supporter of Dwight D. Eisenhower, who he described as a personal friend, and was present with Eisenhower in Paris when he announced the he would run for president. Immell and other former progressives ran as a slate to serve as convention delegates in the Spring of 1952, but Robert A. Taft won the state's presidential preference vote. Nevertheless, Immell attended the 1952 Republican National Convention as a non-delegate, to help secure Eisenhower's nomination.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-eisenhower/162928069/ |title= State Committee Will Support Ike |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= December 7, 1951 |page= 11 |accessdate= January 13, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }}{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-eisenhower/162928610/ |title= 'Good for GOP,' Immell States |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= July 12, 1952 |page= 8 |accessdate= January 13, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }} After Eisenhower's victory in the 1952 general election, Wisconsin newspapers speculated that Immell was likely to get a senior defense or judicial appointment in the Eisenhower administration,{{Cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/162929129/ |title= Immell 'Sure' To Get Job from Ike |newspaper=The Capital Times |date= November 24, 1952 |page= 10 |accessdate= January 13, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }} Although his rank of major general was reaffirmed early in Eisenhower's first term, he received no other federal appointment.

He continued serving as an officer in the Army Reserve, commanding the 84th Division until his retirement in September 1954.{{Cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-immell/162930065/ |title= Gen. Immell to Retire from Army |first= Irvin |last= Kreisman |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= August 24, 1954 |page= 1 |accessdate= January 13, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }}

During these years, Immell also became increasingly involved in private enterprise. He entered the mass media business in 1953, becoming president of Radio Wisconsin Inc., which was involved in a regulatory fight at the Federal Communications Commission to become one of Wisconsin's first television carriers.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-wisc/162929513/ |title= WISC Announces Ralph M. Immell As New President |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= August 16, 1953 |page= 24 |accessdate= January 13, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }} Immell's bid ultimately won the television license and became what is now WISC-TV, beating out a competing bid from "Badger Television Inc.", led by Immell's old media antagonist, William T. Evjue.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-wisc/162929625/ |title= First Meeting Set on City's VHF |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= August 23, 1953 |page= 26 |accessdate= January 13, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }}{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-wisc-tv/162930236/ |title= WISC-TV to serve you on Channel 3 |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= December 19, 1955 |page= 20 |accessdate= January 13, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }} Immell also became counsel to North Central Airlines, and a member of the board of Big Brothers of America.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-immell/162930952/ |title= Ralph Immell Aids Big Brothers Drive |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= May 13, 1961 |page= 3 |accessdate= January 13, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }}

Ralph Immell was the youngest of four sons born to Elmer Lorenzo and Roseann ({{nee}} McKivergin) Immell. Elmer Immell was sheriff of Trempealeau County and, in his time, was one of the most prominent progressives of western Wisconsin.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-elmer-immell/160914785/ |title= Elmer Immell is Reported Critically Ill |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= December 16, 1922 |page= 3 |accessdate= December 14, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} Two of Ralph Immell's elder brothers, {{nowrap|Russell Harrison Immell}} and {{nowrap|Clinton B. Immell}}, also served in the U.S. Army during {{nowrap|World War I}}; Clinton Immell also served several years as sheriff of Trempealeau County.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/leader-telegram-obituary-for-clinton-b/161273783/ |title= Clinton Immell |newspaper= Eau Claire Leader-Telegram |date= June 27, 1979 |page= 5 |accessdate= December 20, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

On September 25, 1922, Ralph Immell eloped with Hazel Marie Gray, of Madison, to be married in Rockford, Illinois.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-marriage-of-gray-imm/160914188/ |title= Immell Weds |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= September 26, 1922 |page= 1 |accessdate= December 14, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} They had two children and were married for nearly 40 years before Hazel's death from a heart attack in 1962. Hazel earned a doctorate and worked as a researcher at the Mayo Clinic; she also organized a nonprofit which led to the creation of the University of Wisconsin Hearing Center. During {{nowrap|World War II}}, she led the Wisconsin blood drive for the American Red Cross.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-obituary-for-haz/161380426/ |title= Mrs. Ralph M. Immell, 62, Dies in Hospital After Heart Attack |newspaper= Wisconsin State Journal |date= September 24, 1962 |page= 18 |accessdate= December 22, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }} After Hazel's death, Immell married Mary Alice Dean ({{nee}} O'Neill), the widow of Dr. Joseph C. Dean, in February 1964.{{cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-marriage-of-immell-d/161382004/ |title= Gen. Ralph Immell, Mrs. Dean Married |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= February 8, 1964 |page= 10 |accessdate= December 22, 2024 |via= Newspapers.com }}

After a series of medical problems, Immell moved into a Madison nursing home. He died there on August 29, 1969. His second wife survived him.{{Cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-obituary-for-ralph-m/96741683/ |title= Gen. Ralph Immell Dead at Age 74 |date= August 29, 1969 |page= 1 |newspaper= The Capital Times |accessdate= January 13, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }}

{{Election box begin | title=Wisconsin Gubernatorial Election, 1946 }}

| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| Republican Primary, August 13, 1946{{Cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-primary-election/162007173/ |title= Composite Statement of Certificates of Board of State Canvassers - Primary Election - 1946 |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= September 28, 1946 |page= 9 |accessdate= January 1, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Walter Samuel Goodland (incumbent)

|votes = 193,199

|percentage = 42.44%

|change = -4.69pp

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Ralph M. Immell

|votes = 177,816

|percentage = 39.06%

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Delbert J. Kenny

|votes = 73,149

|percentage = 16.07%

|change = -9.35pp

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Otto R. Werkmeister

|votes = 5,680

|percentage = 1.25%

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Ralph F. Amoth

|votes = 5,329

|percentage = 1.17%

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party =

|candidate = Scattering

|votes = 103

|percentage = 0.02%

|change =

}}

{{Election box plurality

|votes = 15,383

|percentage = 3.38%

|change = -18.33pp

}}

{{Election box total

|votes = 455,276

|percentage = 100.0%

|change = +45.59%

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{Election box begin | title=Wisconsin Gubernatorial Election, 1948 }}

| colspan="6" style="text-align:center;background-color: #e9e9e9;"| Republican Primary, September 21, 1948{{Cite news|url= https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-primary-election/162007272/ |title= Composite Statement of Certificates of Board of State Canvassers - Primary Election - 1948 |newspaper= The Capital Times |date= October 29, 1948 |page= 9 |accessdate= January 1, 2025 |via= Newspapers.com }}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Oscar Rennebohm

|votes = 278,650

|percentage = 58.18%

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party = Republican Party (United States)

|candidate = Ralph M. Immell

|votes = 200,248

|percentage = 41.81%

|change = +2.75pp

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link|

|party =

|candidate = Scattering

|votes = 103

|percentage = 0.02%

|change =

}}

{{Election box plurality

|votes = 78,402

|percentage = 16.37%

|change = +12.99pp

}}

{{Election box total

|votes = 478,975

|percentage = 100.0%

|change = +5.21%

}}

{{Election box end}}

{{reflist}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-mil}}

{{s-bef|before = John G. Salsman }}

{{s-ttl|title = Adjutant General of Wisconsin |years = June 1, 1923{{spnd}}May 11, 1946 }}

{{s-aft|after = {{nowrap|Alvin A. Kuechenmeister}} }}

{{s-end}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Immell, Ralph}}

Category:1894 births

Category:1969 deaths

Category:People from Trempealeau County, Wisconsin

Category:Politicians from Madison, Wisconsin

Category:Lawyers from Madison, Wisconsin

Category:University of Wisconsin–La Crosse alumni

Category:University of Wyoming alumni

Category:University of Wisconsin Law School alumni

Category:United States Army personnel of World War I

Category:Adjutants General of Wisconsin

Category:United States Army generals of World War II

Category:American recipients of the Croix de Guerre 1939–1945 (France)

Category:Recipients of the Legion of Honour

Category:Recipients of the Legion of Merit

Category:Recipients of the Distinguished Service Medal (US Army)

Category:Wisconsin Progressives (1924)

Category:Wisconsin Republicans

Category:20th-century American politicians