Navy Federal Credit Union

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    447th Bombardment Squadron

    Regiment:

    321st Bombardment Group

    Division:

    12th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 10, 1944

    Headquarters, U.S. Army Air Forces-Mediterranean Theater of Operations, General Orders No. 42 (May 5, 1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Gordon Albert Ramey (ASN: 0-753547), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber of the 321st Bombardment Squadron, 321st Bombardment Group, TWELFTH Air Force, in action against enemy forces on 10 November 1944, in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. As First Lieutenant Ramey’s bomber approached the target, immediately before and after bomb release, the aircraft was hit by numerous bursts of anti-aircraft flak that rendered the left engine inoperative and critically wounded the bombardier. First Lieutenant Ramey’s plane was almost uncontrollable and there was an ever-increasing probability that his right engine would become inoperative due to the added strain placed upon it. First Lieutenant Ramey decided to try to land the damaged plane so he could save the wounded bombardier, who was unable to use his parachute. He gave the rest of the crew members the option of parachuting from the aircraft or remaining with him while he attempted to make an emergency landing. As the plane approached the emergency field, three members of the crew jumped from the plane at the same time that the right engine quit. The loss of the engine forced an immediate landing in which First Lieutenant Ramey, the co-pilot and the bombardier were killed instantly. First Lieutenant Ramey’s unquestionable valor in aerial combat, at the cost of his life, is in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.