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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander Donald James Ramsey (NSN: 0-58862), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HUGHES (DD-410), during action against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands, 7 to 15 September 1942. In the face of persistent aerial opposition on the part of the enemy, commander Ramsey, with courageous skill and efficiency, brought his ship into the Guadalcanal-Tulagi Area on several occasions in order to escort and protect vessels carrying reinforcements and supplies to the United States Marine forces established on the island shore. His gallant fortitude and conscientious devotion to duty contributed materially to the successful accomplishment of a vastly important mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. Hughes (DD-410)

    Action Date:

    October 26, 1942
    Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin No. 315 (June 1943)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Donald James Ramsey (NSN: 0-58862), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of this profession as Commanding Officer of the Destroyer U.S.S. HUGHES (DD-410), during the engagement with enemy Japanese forces north of the Santa Cruz Islands on 26 October 1942. After enemy bombs and torpedoes had seriously damaged the task force carrier resulting in raging fires and a dangerous list on that vessel, Lieutenant Commander Ramsay skillfully brought his ship alongside in a most seamanlike manner to assist in fighting fires on board with every means at his command. Although driven away by further enemy air attacks, he repeatedly returned to the side of the stricken carrier to continue rendering effective assistance. Later he maneuvered in the vicinity of the ship to evacuate and rescue survivors. His gallantry and intrepidity in action were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Naval Service.