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Roger M. Ramey

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Roger Maxwell Ramey
Born(1905-09-09)September 9, 1905
Sulphur Springs, Texas
DiedMarch 4, 1963(1963-03-04) (aged 57)
Torrance, California
AllegianceUnited States United States
Years of service1928–1957
Rank Lieutenant General
Commands38th Pursuit Squadron
Eighth Air Force
Fifth Air Force
Battles / warsWorld War II
Korean War
AwardsDistinguished Service Cross[1]
Distinguished Service Medal
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross

Roger Maxwell Ramey (September 9, 1905 – March 4, 1963) was an American officer who reached the rank of Lieutenant General in the United States Air Force. He retired in January 1957 over heart problems and died six years later.

Early life and career

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At West Point in 1928

Ramey was born in Sulphur Springs, Texas. He attended North Texas Teachers College and aspired to practice medicine, but was persuaded to compete in the examination for a place in West Point by his captain in the National Guard. He was enrolled at West Point in 1924 and graduated as a second lieutenant in 1928.[2]

After his graduation, Ramey enrolled in the Air Corps Primary Flying School and graduated from the Air Corps Advanced Flying School in September 1929.[3] He served with the 27th Pursuit Squadron in Michigan for a time and in 1932 was made commanding officer of the 38th Pursuit Squadron. Later he served as a flight instructor in Randolph Field, Texas.[3]

World War II

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In January 1942 during United States' involvement in World War II, Ramey became plans and training officer of the VII Bomber Command.[3] The next month he was promoted to Colonel.[2] In October 1942 he transferred to the Fifth Air Force, in which he served as commanding officer of 43rd Bomb Group and 314th Bomb Wing.[3]

Postwar service

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Ramey kneeling beside foil, sticks, and paper
Ramey with Roswell debris in Fort Worth, Texas

At Operation Crossroads, Nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll in 1946, Ramey was the director of the "Able" shot and commander of Task Force 1.5.[2][3]

Ramey assumed command of the Eighth Air Force as a temporary Brigadier General in January 1947. He was also the commander of Carswell Air Force Base, then known as Fort Worth Army Airfield.[3] He was responsible for reversing the stance on the nature of the crashed craft of the Roswell UFO incident later in 1947.[4] He was famously photographed with a telex in his hand on July 8, 1947, that Ufologists believe may confirm a cover-up. The photograph has been subject to much analyzing with little conclusive results.[5]

In May 1954 Ramey assumed command of the Fifth Air Force in Korea,[2] and was promoted to temporary Lieutenant General in June 1954.[3]

Retirement

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Ramey retired on January 31, 1957, over heart problems.[2] He died on March 4, 1963, in Torrance, California.[2]

Summary of service

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Dates of rank

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Sources:[3][6]


Sergeant, Texas Army National Guard

- Prior to 1924


Second Lieutenant, Cavalry:

- Permanent Establishment: June 9, 1928


First Lieutenant, Air Corps:

- Permanent Establishment: September 1, 1934


Captain, Air Corps:

—Permanent Establishment: June 9, 1938


Major, Air Corps:

—Temporary: January 31, 1941
—Permanent Establishment: June 9, 1945


Lieutenant Colonel, Air Corps:

—Temporary: January 5, 1942


Colonel, Air Corps:

—Temporary: March 1, 1942
—Permanent Establishment: April 2, 1948

Brigadier General:

—Temporary: July 1, 1943
—Permanent Establishment: June 11, 1948;

Major General:

—Temporary: October 29, 1947
—Permanent Establishment: July 21, 1952

Lieutenant General:

—Temporary: June 1954

References

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  1. ^ "Roger Ramey - Recipient -".
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Ramey, Roger M." The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 13, 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h "Lt. Gen. Roger M. Ramey". U.S. Air Force > Biography display. Retrieved August 13, 2020.
  4. ^ "Rancher surprised at excitement over his debris discovery near Roswell". El Paso Times. December 12, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2020.
  5. ^ Randle, Kevin D. (2016). Roswell in the 21st Century. Naples, Florida: Speaking Volumes, LLC. ISBN 9781628155129.
  6. ^ "Lt Gen Roger Maxwell Ramey".