19/06/2024
JUNE 19, 1945; 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 Russell A. Ramsey, United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Headquarters, 37th Infantry Division, in action against an armed enemy at Luzon, Philippine Islands, during World War II. 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 from 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 manning 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 was an outstanding example of alertness, calmness and courage under fire.