The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry) John H. Ramsburg (ASN: 0-2018758), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 15 February 1951, near Chipyong-ni, Korea. Captain Ramsburg was commanding an infantry company with the mission of retaking lost ground. Realizing that the positions must be retaken as quickly as possible, he made a quick reconnaissance of the area to formulate a plan of attack. During this time the area in which he was making this reconnaissance was under intense enemy mortar, machine gun, and small arms fire. With total disregard for his personal safety, he reorganized the unit and prepared to attack. As the attack started, he placed himself between the two attacking platoons and personally led them up the hill. About halfway up the hill, he was wounded in the right foot by fragments of a mortar round, and although it forced him to drop back, he remained in position and continued to inspire the attacking troops by his courageous example. As they reached the top of the hill, they met stiff resistance and again were forced to withdraw. During the withdrawal he remained with the unit in spite of his wounds, until he was able to turn the unit over to another officer. His outstanding leadership and courageous actions were an inspiring example to all members of his unit. The gallant conduct of Captain Ramsburg on this occasion reflects great credit upon himself and upholds the highest traditions of the Military Service of the United States.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Infantry), [then First Lieutenant] John H. Ramsburg (ASN: 0-2018758), United States Army, for gallantry in action as a member of Headquarters Company, 23d Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy on 2 and 3 September 1950 in the vicinity of Changnyong, Korea. A large enemy force, supported by heavy mortar and automatic weapons fire, had penetrated the lines of the 2d Battalion, 23d Infantry Regiment, and was threatening to break through the battalion command post. Captain Ramsburg, the Battalion S-2, was ordered to go forward to the threatened position to alert attached tank crews. After delivering his message, Captain Ramsburg voluntarily climbed aboard a tank and, standing fully exposed to the withering hostile fire raking the area, manned the tank’s .50 caliber machine gun. Disregarding the small arms fire which frequently ricocheted off the tank, he poured devastating bursts of fire into the enemy. So accurate was his fire that enemy troops who had advanced to within 75 yards of his position were pinned down and were incapable of maneuvering. At daybreak on 3 September 1950, 73 fully armed enemy surrendered and 21 were found killed or wounded, most of whom were within the field of fire of his machine gun. Captain Ramsburg, by his voluntary and courageous action, prevented a major enemy breakthrough along the main road leading into Changnyong and kept the enemy from overrunning his battalion command post. The gallantry displayed by Captain Ramsburg reflects the highest great upon himself is in keeping with the fine traditions of the military service.