Lawson P. Ramage
| Lawson P. Ramage | |
|---|---|
 
Vice Admiral Lawson P. "Red" Ramage
|
|
| Nickname(s) | "Red" |
| Born |
19 January 1909 Monroe Bridge, Massachusetts |
| Died | 15 April 1990 (aged 81) Bethesda, Maryland |
| Place of burial | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Navy
|
| Years of service | 1931–1969 |
| Rank |
 Vice Admiral
|
| Commands held |
USS Trout (SS-202) USS Parche (SS-384) Submarine Division Two Submarine Squadron Six USS Rankin (AKA-103) Cruiser Squadron Two First Fleet Military Sea Transportation Service |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
Medal of Honor Navy Cross (2) Distinguished Service Medal (2) Silver Star Medal Bronze Star Medal Navy Commendation Medal (2) with Combat "V" Combat Action Ribbon |
Lawson Paterson "Red" Ramage (19 January 1909 – 15 April 1990) was a vice admiral in the United States Navy and a noted submarine commander during World War II. Ramage was decorated with the Medal of Honor and several other combat decorations during the war. He also served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Taking his nickname from his hair color, Ramage was born on 19 January 1909, in Monroe Bridge, Massachusetts. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1931, having injured his right eye while wrestling, and was subsequently commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy. From 1931 to 1935, he served aboard several surface ships. He was the navigator of USS Dickerson (DD-157), the engineering officer of USS Lawrence (DD-250), and the radio officer of USS Louisville (CA-28). Ramage was unable to pass the submarine physical examination because of his eye injury, and is quoted by Stephen Moore as having said "I took the opportunity to memorize the eye chart so that when I returned I had no problem reading off the eye chart" and getting his approval. Confronted with a subsequent eye examination, Ramage related that he passed the eye examination "by just exchanging the card before my right eye and reading with my left eye in both instances." In January 1936, Lieutenant (jg) Ramage reported to the USS S-29 (SS-134); he subsequently spent most of his career on submarines.
In 1938, Ramage returned to the Naval Academy for postgraduate education. In September 1939, Ramage became executive officer of USS Sands (DD-243), serving until February, 1941. Subsequent duty took him to Hawaii as the force communications and sound officer on the staff of Commander, Submarines Pacific Fleet (ComSubPac).
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