US Marine Corps 2ndLt George Ramer: Korean War Medal of Honor Recipient

George Henry Ramer was born on March 27, 1927, in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. Upon graduating from high school in 1944, he enlisted in the Navy and served until June 1946. After returning home, Ramer attended Bucknell University, graduating in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history. While at Bucknell, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve Platoon Leaders Class program and received his commission in the Marine Corps.

After completing The Basic School, Second Lieutenant Ramer deployed to Korea in May 1951. There, he was given command of 3rd Platoon, Company I, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines.

On September 12, 1951, Ramer was ordered to seize the objective atop a steep hill. He led his men up the slope under relentless small-arms, mortar, and machine-gun fire. During the climb, he and most of his platoon were wounded.

But he continued to lead the assault.

As the terrain steepened and enemy grenades added to the barrage, Ramer pressed forward, reached the summit, destroyed an enemy bunker with grenades and carbine fire, and secured the hill with just eight Marines remaining.

Shortly afterward, the enemy launched a powerful counterattack.

Unable to hold the position, Ramer ordered his men to withdraw. Then, alone, he fought to cover their retreat and the evacuation of three fatally wounded Marines.

Severely wounded again, he refused aid when his men returned to assist him. Ordering them to take cover, he remained at his post and continued fighting until enemy forces overran his position and he was mortally wounded.

For his extraordinary heroism, Second Lieutenant George Ramer was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor.

You can watch a short video about his story here: https://youtube.com/shorts/RjVg729zX6A

Medal of Honor 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.