The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Donald Brewster Ramage (NSN: 0-81163), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. HARDING (DMS-28), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of Okinawa on 16 April 1945. When his ship was under repeated attacks by hostile suicide planes, Commander Ramage skillfully fought the HARDING and directed effective gunfire to destroy two Japanese planes. By his brilliant handling of his vessel after it had sustained damage, he undoubtedly prevented its sinking. His valiant leadership and courageous devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.