b. 27/03/1927 Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. d. 12/09/1951 Korea.
DATE OF MOH ACTION: 12/09/1951 Korea.
George H Ramer MOH
George Henry Ramer was born on March 27, 1927, in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. He attended elementary school in Salisbury, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Lewisburg High School in 1944 in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the navy on August 11, 1944, and served until June 5, 1946.
Upon his return to civilian life, he entered Bucknell University, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He graduated in February 1950, with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history. While attending college, he enrolled in the Marine Corps Reserve Platoon Leader’s program, completing summer training courses at Quantico, Virginia, in 1947 and 1948. He was commissioned in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1950 and taught high school civics, history and problems of democracy in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, before he was called to active duty at his own request on January 3, 1951.
Completing the Basic Course at Quantico, Virginia, in April 1951, 2ndLt Ramer embarked the following month for Korea. Before his death he saw action in the campaigns against the Chinese Communist Spring Offensive and in the United Nations Summer-Fall Offensive. His remains were returned to the United States in December 1951 and interred in Lewisburg Cemetery, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.
The Medal of Honor was presented to his widow on January 7, 1953, by Secretary of the Navy Daniel A. Kimball in Washington, D.C. In addition to the Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart awarded for his fatal wounds, 2ndLt Ramer’s decorations include the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars and the United Nations Service Medal.
MOH CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as leader of the 3d Platoon in Company I, in action against enemy aggressor forces. Ordered to attack and seize hostile positions atop a hill, vigorously defended by well-entrenched enemy forces delivering massed small-arms mortar, and machine-gun fire, 2d Lt. Ramer fearlessly led his men up the steep slopes and, although he and the majority of his unit were wounded during the ascent, boldly continued to spearhead the assault. With the terrain becoming more precipitous near the summit and the climb more perilous as the hostile forces added grenades to the devastating hail of fire, he staunchly carried the attack to the top, personally annihilated one enemy bunker with grenade and carbine fire and captured the objective with his remaining eight men. Unable to hold the position against an immediate, overwhelming hostile counterattack, he ordered his group to withdraw and singlehandedly fought the enemy to furnish cover for his men and for the evacuation of three fatally wounded marines. Severely wounded a second time, 2d Lt. Ramer refused aid when his men returned to help him and, after ordering them to seek shelter, courageously manned his post until the hostile troops overran his position and he fell mortally wounded. His indomitable fighting spirit, inspiring leadership and unselfish concern for others in the face of death, reflect the highest credit upon 2d Lt. Ramer and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.
BURIAL LOCATION: LEWISBURG CEMETERY, LEWISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.
SECTION 3, LOT 1868.
LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNION COUNTY COURTHOUSE, LEWISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA.
