George H. Ramer

Covering a platoon's withdrawal in Korea

George Henry Ramer was born on March 27, 1927, in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania. He served as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve, leading the 3rd Platoon of Company I, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

On September 12, 1951, Ramer led an attack up a steep hill in Korea. Although wounded, he destroyed a bunker and captured the summit with eight remaining men. An overwhelming counterattack forced a withdrawal. Ramer stayed behind to cover his Marines and the evacuation of three fatally wounded men.

Wounded again, he refused help and ordered others to seek shelter. He continued fighting until the position was overrun and he was killed. His widow received his posthumous Medal of Honor at the Pentagon on January 7, 1953.

Ramer is buried at Lewisburg Cemetery in Pennsylvania. His award remembers leadership and self-sacrifice in protecting a retreating platoon.

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.