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.
Roger Maxwell Ramey | |
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| Born | September 9, 1905 Sulphur Springs, Texas |
| Died | March 4, 1963 (aged 57) Torrance, California |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Years of service | 1928–1957 |
| Rank |  Lieutenant General |
| Commands | 38th Pursuit Squadron Eighth Air Force Fifth Air Force |
| Battles / wars | World War II Korean War |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Cross[1] Distinguished Service Medal Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross |
Early life and career
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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
editIn 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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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
editRamey retired on January 31, 1957, over heart problems.[2] He died on March 4, 1963, in Torrance, California.[2]
Summary of service
editDates of rank
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Sergeant, Texas Army National Guard - Prior to 1924 |
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Second Lieutenant, Cavalry: - Permanent Establishment: June 9, 1928 |
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First Lieutenant, Air Corps: - Permanent Establishment: September 1, 1934 |
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Captain, Air Corps: —Permanent Establishment: June 9, 1938 |
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Major, Air Corps: —Temporary: January 31, 1941 |
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Lieutenant Colonel, Air Corps: —Temporary: January 5, 1942 |
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Colonel, Air Corps: —Temporary: March 1, 1942 |
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Brigadier General: —Temporary: July 1, 1943 |
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Major General: —Temporary: October 29, 1947 |
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Lieutenant General: —Temporary: June 1954 |
References
edit- ^ "Roger Ramey - Recipient -".
- ^ a b c d e f "Ramey, Roger M." The Pacific War Online Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 13, 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Lt. Gen. Roger M. Ramey". U.S. Air Force > Biography display. Retrieved August 13, 2020.
- ^ "Rancher surprised at excitement over his debris discovery near Roswell". El Paso Times. December 12, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2020.
- ^ Randle, Kevin D. (2016). Roswell in the 21st Century. Naples, Florida: Speaking Volumes, LLC. ISBN 9781628155129.
- ^ "Lt Gen Roger Maxwell Ramey".