Roger M. Ramey

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Roger M. Ramey, Colonel (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the Commanding Officer, 43d Bombardment Group (H), FIFTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 1 February 1943, while participating in an attack on the Japanese base at Rabaul, New Britain. As command pilot leading a flight against the base, Colonel Ramey remained at the scene of attack for over two hours, making 20 passes over the target, dropping flares on each run, and thus drawing attention of searchlights and diverting much of the anti-aircraft fire from other bombers to his own. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Ramey on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 5th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.