The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel (General Staff Corps) Russell A. Ramsey (ASN: 0-215598), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division in action against the enemy in the Philippine Islands, in 1945. During the attack against strongly defended “Top of the World” Hill near Fort Stotsenburg, Colonel Ramsey observed the action from a hilltop observation post less than 200 yards form enemy positions. Although under continual fire, he remained at his post and observed a well-concealed Japanese pillbox which had escaped the attention of our forces. Disregarding the hostile fire, Colonel Ramsey courageously ran to a tank destroyer located in an exposed position beyond the observation post, climbed into it, and manned one of the machine guns, pointed out the hostile emplacement with his accurate fire, enabling other tank destroyers in the vicinity to also place fire on the position and neutralize it. On 19 June 1945, Colonel Ramsey was accompanying an infantry supported armored column through the Cagayan Valley when, along with several other officers, he decided to investigate the possibility of an ambush in thick growth beside the road. They located three enemy tanks, which immediately opened fire and caused numerous casualties to our troops. Colonel Ramsey, who miraculously escaped injury, immediately assisted in clearing the road, and coordinated the fire of our machine guns against the hostile position. He then helped evacuate several casualties, and established contact with our advance elements, which successfully eliminated the ambush. Colonel Ramsey’s service as an outstanding example of alertness, calmness, and courage under fire. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Colonel Ramsey, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army.
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Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Colonel (General Staff Corps)Division:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
June 19, 1945
Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, General Orders No. 319 (September 27, 1945) -
Legion of Merit
Service:
United States ArmyRank:
Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry)Division:
37th Infantry DivisionAction Date:
June 25 – August 5, 1943
Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces in the South Pacific Area, General Orders No. 365 (1943)The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry) Russell A. Ramsey (ASN: 0-215598), United States Army, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services while serving with Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, at New Georgia during the period 25 June to 5 August 1943. Lieutenant Colonel Ramsey was assigned the duties of Assistant Chief of Staff G-3 only a few days before the entrance of the infantry division into combat; his predecessor having been wounded in action at Rendova. Although he assumed his duties just prior to crucial conditions of combat, he performed brilliantly. On three separate occasions Lieutenant Colonel Ramsey personally went forward into the front lines while under the observation and fire of the enemy to reconnoiter the situation, thereby obtaining information which subsequently proved of inestimable value to the success of tactical plans, and resulted in materially improving the coordination of their execution. By his excellent staff work, indifference to hostile fire, and his splendid personal liaison with lower units, he contributed materially to the success of the entire operations and its speedy accomplishment. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel Ramsey and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army.