Ramage, Lawson Paterson "Red"

Date of birth:: January 19th, 1920 (Monroe Bridge/Massachusetts, United States)
Date of death:: April 15th, 1990 (Bethesda/Maryland, United States)
Nationality:: American

Biography

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Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Lieutenant Commander
Unit:: U.S.S. Trout (SS-202), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: June 25th, 1943

"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. TROUT (SS-202), on the FIFTH, SIXTH and SEVENTH War Patrols of that submarine during the period 27 August 1942 to 25 February 1943, in enemy controlled waters of the Pacific War Area. During this period of intense activity, Lieutenant Commander Ramage distinguished himself by his brilliant tactical knowledge and sound judgment in maneuvering his vessel into advantageous striking position so skillfully and aggressively as to destroy and damage an important amount of enemy shipping. Through his excellent direction of these hazardous operations he enabled the TROUT to complete her vital missions successfully. Lieutenant Commander Ramage's inspiring leadership and the valiant devotion to duty of his command contributed immeasurably to the efforts of our forces against a determined and desperate enemy and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."

Commander 7th Fleet: Serial 00682

Navy Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Commander
Unit:: U.S.S. Parche (SS-384), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: July 30th, 1944

"For extraordinary heroism in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. PARCHE (SS-384), on the FIRST War Patrol of that submarine during the period 29 March 1944 to 23 May 1944, in enemy controlled waters of the Luzon Strait in the Philippine Islands. Despite strong enemy escorts which included air support, Commander Ramage skillfully penetrated the escort screens and through his daring and aggressive determination, delivered smashing torpedo attacks against enemy ships. As a result of these well planned and brilliantly executed attacks, he successfully sank four enemy ships totaling over 30,000 tons. In spite of strong enemy counterattacks and active air opposition, his skillful evasive tactics enabled him to escape and bring his ship to port. His conduct throughout was an inspiration to his officers and men and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Pacific Fleet Board Awards: Serial 70

Medal of Honor - Navy/Marine Corps (MoH)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Commander
Unit:: U.S.S. Parche (SS-384), U.S.Navy
Awarded on:: November 9th, 1944

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of the U.S.S. Parche in a predawn attack on a Japanese convoy, 31 July 1944. Boldly penetrating the screen of a heavily escorted convoy, Comdr. Ramage launched a perilous surface attack by delivering a crippling stern shot into a freighter and quickly following up with a series of bow and stern torpedoes to sink the leading tanker and damage the second one. Exposed by the light of bursting flares and bravely defiant of terrific shellfire passing close overhead, he struck again, sinking a transport by two forward reloads. In the mounting fury of fire from the damaged and sinking tanker, he calmly ordered his men below, remaining on the bridge to fight it out with an enemy now disorganized and confused. Swift to act as a fast transport closed in to ram, Comdr. Ramage daringly swung the stern of the speeding Parche as she crossed the bow of the onrushing ship, clearing by less than 50 feet but placing his submarine in a deadly crossfire from escorts on all sides and with the transport dead ahead. Undaunted, he sent 3 smashing "down the throat" bow shots to stop the target, then scored a killing hit as a climax to 46 minutes of violent action with the Parche and her valiant fighting company retiring victorious and unscathed."

Submarine Force Board of Awards: Serial 0293

Silver Star Medal (SSM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Commander
Unit:: U.S.S. Grenadier (SS-210), U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: September 13th, 1946

"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Navigator aboard the Submarine U.S.S. GRENADIER (SS-210) during a War Patrol of that Vessel in enemy-controlled waters from 12 April to 10 June 1942. Exhibiting outstanding skill and efficiency in the performance of his duties, Commander Ramage rendered valuable assistance to his Commanding Officer during attacks which resulted in the sinking of two enemy ships totaling 24,000 tons and, in addition, contributed materially to the success of his vessel in evading enemy countermeasures. His leadership, courage and devotion to duty were an inspiration to the officers and men and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Distinguished Service Medal - Navy/USMC

Period:: Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Rank:: Vice Admiral
Unit:: First Fleet, U.S. Navy
Awarded on:: July 8th, 1966

"For exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander FIRST Fleet, from July 1964 to July 1966. During this period of ever-increasing tension in Southeast Asia, Vice Admiral Ramage exercised outstanding leadership, sound judgment and keen foresight in increasing the readiness posture of forces assigned to the FIRST Fleet, ensuring that units deploying to Southeast Asia were ready for any contingency. This he accomplished by conducting training and fleet exercised under conditions closely simulating those that would be encountered in Southeast Asia. Lessons learned in the combat environment of Southeast Asia were widely disseminated and, from these lessons, new tactics were developed and incorporated in fleet exercises, and requirements for improved and new equipment were brought forth. Through his professional knowledge and dedicated and tireless devotion to duty, Vice Admiral Ramage has made an outstanding contribution to the efforts of the Pacific Fleet in accomplishing its vital mission. His distinguished achievements reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service."

Board Serial 4633