Lawson Paterson “Red” Ramage (1909–1990) was a United States Navy vice admiral best known for his daring submarine operations during World War II. Awarded the Medal of Honor for a bold attack against a Japanese convoy in 1944, he continued serving in senior naval leadership roles until his retirement in 1969.
Early Life and Struggles: Ramage was born on January 19, 1909, in Monroe, Massachusetts. He earned the nickname “Red” because of his hair color.
After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1931, he was commissioned as an ensign. An eye injury sustained while wrestling initially prevented him from qualifying for submarine duty. Determined to pursue this path, he eventually passed the required examination and reported aboard the submarine USS S-29 in January 1936.
Before World War II, Ramage served aboard several surface ships, including USS Dickerson, USS Lawrence, and USS Louisville. He also completed further education at the Naval Academy and served as executive officer of the destroyer USS Sands. These assignments gave him valuable experience in navigation, engineering, communications, and naval operations.
Military Enlistment and Heroics: When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Ramage was serving on the staff of the Commander, Submarines, Pacific Fleet. He soon joined the submarine campaign against Japanese shipping.
In early 1942, he served as navigator aboard USS Grenadier. During a patrol in enemy-controlled waters, his skill contributed to attacks that sank two enemy ships. He received the Silver Star for his performance.
In June 1942, Ramage took command of USS Trout. During four war patrols, the submarine attacked Japanese shipping across the Pacific. Despite challenges, including unreliable torpedoes and unsuccessful attacks, Ramage demonstrated aggressive tactics and sound judgment, earning the Navy Cross for his command.
In May 1943, he assumed command of the newly built USS Parche. During its first war patrol in March 1944, Parche operated alongside USS Bang and USS Tinosa as part of a submarine wolfpack, helping sink seven enemy ships.
Defining Moment: Ramage's defining achievement came during the early hours of July 31, 1944, when USS Parche encountered a heavily escorted Japanese convoy.
Instead of attacking from a safer distance, Ramage maneuvered his submarine directly into the convoy on the surface. For approximately 46 to 48 minutes, he directed repeated torpedo attacks while Japanese ships returned fire and attempted to ram his vessel.
Despite intense gunfire and the danger of being surrounded, Ramage continued maneuvering and attacking. Parche sank two enemy ships and severely damaged three others before escaping with its crew unharmed.
For his actions, Ramage received the Medal of Honor, becoming the first living submariner to receive the award since Henry Breault. President Franklin D. Roosevelt presented the medal to him on January 10, 1945.
Ramage credited his crew for the achievement. He prepared certificates for the men aboard Parche, emphasizing that the medal represented the entire crew's contribution rather than his individual actions alone. The submarine also received the Presidential Unit Citation.
Post-War Life and Career: Ramage remained in the Navy after World War II, commanding submarines and serving as commander of Submarine Division Two and Submarine Squadron Six. From 1953 to 1954, he commanded the amphibious cargo ship USS Rankin.
Promoted to flag rank in 1956, he held senior positions on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations and later commanded Cruiser Division Two.
In 1963, Ramage led search operations for the nuclear submarine USS Thresher, which sank in the Atlantic Ocean. That year, he became vice admiral and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Operations and Readiness.
From 1964 to 1966, he commanded the First Fleet, overseeing training and operational readiness during the buildup to the Vietnam War. In 1967, he became Commander of the Military Sea Transportation Service. He retired from the Navy in 1969 and received the Navy Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership as Commander, First Fleet.
Ramage married Barbara Alice Pine on November 2, 1935, and they had two sons and two daughters. He died of cancer at his home in Bethesda, Maryland, on April 15, 1990, at age 81. He and his wife, who died in 2002, are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
In 1994, the Navy named the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage in his honor. Naval submarine training facilities have also commemorated his service.
Military Awards and Decorations: Ramage received numerous decorations during his naval career, including:
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Medal of Honor — For his daring attack against a Japanese convoy aboard USS Parche in July 1944.
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Navy Cross with Gold Star — For extraordinary heroism during submarine operations.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal with Gold Star — For distinguished service in senior command.
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Silver Star — For gallantry while serving aboard USS Grenadier.
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Bronze Star Medal
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Navy Commendation Medal with “V” Device and Gold Star
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Combat Action Ribbon — Awarded retroactively in 1999.
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Navy Presidential Unit Citation with two service stars
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American Defense Service Medal with “A” Device
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American Campaign Medal
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Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with seven campaign stars
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World War II Victory Medal
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Navy Occupation Service Medal with Asia clasp
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National Defense Service Medal with one service star
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Philippine Liberation Medal with one campaign star
He also earned the Submarine Warfare Insignia and Submarine Combat Patrol Insignia.
Lawson P. Ramage overcame an early physical obstacle to become one of the U.S. Navy's most notable submarine commanders. His daring attack aboard USS Parche earned him the Medal of Honor, while his later leadership roles helped prepare American naval forces for changing military challenges.
His career reflected the importance of tactical skill, decisive leadership, and teamwork. Through his wartime achievements and decades of naval service, Ramage secured a lasting place in U.S. Navy history.