The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Roger M. Ramey (ASN: 0-17231), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility in the Southwest Pacific area from 21 October 1942 to 20 October 1943. As Commander of the 43d Bombardment Group (Heavy), FIFTH Air Force, General Ramey [then Colonel] directed his group in the series of bombing operations which accompanied and supported the defeat of the Japanese thrust at Port Moresby and the expulsion of the enemy from Papua, and which inflicted upon him a signal defeat in the Bismarck Sea. Subsequently, first as Chief of Staff, then from 19 April 1943 as Commander of the FIFTH Bomber Command, he directed extensive bombing operations in New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, and other sections of the Southwest Pacific. He was charged with planning and directing the bombing and strafing attacks during the campaign which resulted in the capture of Lae. General Ramey conducted the devastating raids which crushed the strong Japanese base at Wewak, and the heavy accurate bombing of critical targets in the area under land attack. His brilliant leadership and unerring judgment in all these complicated operations were of the highest value in the Allied successes during this period. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Ramey and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.