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Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Ralph Lester Ramey (NSN: 0-74910), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as the Commanding Officer of the Destroyer-Transport U.S.S. McKean (APD-5) during the occupation of Rendova Island and the attack on New Georgia Islands in June and July of 1943. Lieutenant Ramey, on several occasions, carried troops and supplies into waters frequented by Japanese surface vessels and submarines. His ship was repeatedly subjected to enemy air and submarine attack and bombardment by shore batteries. By his skill and determination, he successfully completed each mission assigned to him, and repulsed all attacks without damage to his ship. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. McCook (DD-496)

    Action Date:

    June 6, 7 * 8, 1944
    Commander Naval Forces Europe: Serial 9356 (October 6, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Lieutenant Commander Ralph Lester Ramey (NSN: 0-74910), United States Navy, for meritorious performance of duty as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. McCOOK (DD-496) in action against the German coastal defenses and troop concentrations on the coast of France on 6, 7, and 8 June 1944. As a unit of the Close Fire Support Group the McCOOK closed the range to the beaches and while under enemy artillery fire delivered an accurate and effective fire on enemy artillery and mortar emplacements and on enemy troop concentrations which were firing on our troops on the landing beaches and holding up their advance. Lieutenant Commander Ramey skillfully and efficiently handled his ship and directed the fire of his batteries so that this Fire Support was of invaluable aid to our own forces. His courageous devotion to duty reflects great credit upon Lieutenant Commander Ramey and on the United States Naval Service.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Division:

    U.S.S. McKean (APD-5)

    Action Date:

    July 1 – November 17, 1943
    Commander South Pacific: Serial 00165 (January 14, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Commander Ralph Lester Ramey (NSN: 0-74910), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. McKEAN (APD-5) from 1 July 1943 to 17 November 1943. During this period, the ship under Lieutenant Commander Ramey’s command transported and landed troops, equipment, and supplies in our operations against the enemy in New Georgia, Vella Lavella, Treasury, Choiseul and Bougainville; participated in the bombardment of enemy installations, and performed duty as escort for other vessels engaged in transporting and reconnaissance. Despite the defects inherent in the age of his ship, the difficulties of operating and at times making radical maneuvers under fire in unfamiliar and poorly charted waters, and the persistent attacks by enemy planes, surface and undersea vessels, and shore batteries, Lieutenant Commander Ramey, by outstanding determination, skill and courage eluded and fought off the dangers to his ship, inflicted damage upon the enemy, and successfully accomplished the missions with which he was entrusted. When his ship was finally torpedoed, his courage and the discipline he had instilled in his ship’s company contributed to minimizing loss of life and injuries to personnel on board. His conduct under fire on this and on all other occasions has been a constant inspiration to those serving under him. His performance of duty throughout has been in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service, and has contributed materially to the success of our offensive against the enemy in this theater of war.