Howard Ramsey
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Howard Ramsey | |
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Birth name | Howard Verne Ramsey |
Born | Rico, Colorado, U.S. | April 2, 1898
Died | (aged 108 years, 326 days) Portland, Oregon, U.S. | February 22, 2007
Allegiance | United States of America |
Service/ | United States Army |
Years of service | 1916 – 1918 |
Battles/wars | World War I |
Spouse(s) | Hilda Epling (wife) |
Relations | Coral Ramsey (daughter) |
Howard Verne Ramsey (April 2, 1898 – February 22, 2007) was one of the last surviving veterans of the First World War in the United States. Ramsey saw action in France during the war. His story was told in a 2005 speech by Vice President Dick Cheney commemorating the 75th anniversary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.[1]
Ramsey was awarded the Portland, Oregon Medal, the World War Service Medal from the State of Oregon, the 75th Anniversary of World War I Medal, and two Republic Française medals (awarded to US citizens by France).
Military service
Born in
He was one of the few men who could drive a motor vehicle, so he didn't have to be on the front lines. He drove cars, trucks and motorcycles while in the war. Howard drove trucks to the lines where soldiers had been killed to help transport their bodies back to the United States. He also chauffeured officers, drove ambulances and taught men how to drive. He did his fair share of walking in the cold wearing the uncomfortable wool uniforms of the time. They brought back with them a large missile that two men had to carry (it was donated to Camp Withycombe in Clackamas, Oregon). His brother was also in the Army, but in a different company. He did get a furlough to go and visit his brother on an Indian motorcycle which he wrecked in the snow. His company had to come and pick him and the motorcycle up.
Aftermath
He came to Portland around 1920 and worked for Hudson-Essex (later Hudson Motor Car Company). In 1922 he went to work for Western Electric (later AT&T) and retired in 1963 at the age of 65.
He married Hilda Epling in 1923 in
They have one daughter born in 1934 – 11 years after they married and thought perhaps there would be no children. Her name is Coral, after his buddy Harry's daughter.