Eric P. Ramee

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Eric P. Ramee (0-19961), Lieutenant Colonel (Infantry), U.S. Army, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving with the 24th Infantry Division near Pinamopoan,, Leyte, Philippine Islands, on 5 and 6 November 1944. On the afternoon of 5 November 1944 Colonel Ramee had gone on reconnaissance preparatory to the committing of his battalion into combat. At this time a nearby artillery forward observer party was assaulted by Japanese infantry. Colonel Ramee immediately ordered a rifle platoon to the rescue. When the enemy assault proved to be an attack in force, he committed another reinforced rifle company and took personal command of the forces involved. As the attack progressed, the enemy employed machine guns, mortars, and field artillery with telling effect. However, Colonel Ramee, with great skill and cool-headed bravery, conducted the defense in such a manner as to inflict the maximum casualties on the enemy while suffering minimum losses to his own forces. Due almost entirely to his efforts, the enemy attack was repulsed and when it became necessary to withdraw on the morning of 6 November 1944, Colonel Ramee although practically cut off, and harassed by pursuing enemy, executed a masterful withdrawal by a circuitous route, thereby succeeding in evacuating all wounded men without sustaining further losses. Colonel Ramee’s exemplary conduct throughout this entire engagement was an inspiration to his fellow officers and men, and is in accord with the highest traditions of the military service.