Lloyd B. Ramsey
Major General, U.S. Army

Lloyd B. Ramsey was born, and grew up, in Somerset, KY, the son of William H. and Mary Ella Ramsey. He graduated from high school in Somerset and, following his graduation, he attended the University of Kentucky, where he was on the football, swimming, track, and boxing teams. Ramsey loved sports, especially since he was able to get through college during the depression years on a football scholarship. In fact, his one ambition during his college days was to become a football coach. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1940.

Military Career

His military career began on 1 July 1940 when he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Infantry in the Regular Army. His first assignment was at Fort Thomas, KY, with the 10th Infantry. In August 1940, he was transferred to the 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division at Fort Bragg, NC, where the division was being organized. Major Ramsey remained with the 39th Infantry until February 1943 when the Regiment was in North Africa.

In February 1943, he was selected to be Aide-de-Camp to British General (later Field Marshal) H. R. L. G. Alexander, the Ground commander under General Eisenhower in the North African Campaign. In 1969-70 while in Vietnam as a Major General and Division Commander, Ramsey made these comments about Alexander: "I learned a lot from the field marshal," Ramsey said, looking thoughtful. "He was one of the greatest tacticians I have ever seen, and just being near him and watching carefully, I learned a lot about working with troops, how to use a staff and how to maneuver large forces. And although it's a different type war here, the basic principles apply."

Ramsey was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division in November 1943 where he served as a battalion executive officer and, as a Lieutenant Colonel, served as battalion commander, and regimental executive officer in the 7th Infantry. He later served as G-3 of the Division. In March 1946 he was assigned to the Infantry School at Fort Benning, GA, to instruct in leadership. He attended a short course in psychology of leadership at Yale University in preparation for this instruction.

He attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS, in 1949-1950 and, upon graduation, was assigned to the War Department General Staff in the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-2. He was selected for attendance at the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA, in August 1953. Following his graduation in June 1954, Ramsey was assigned to the Far East and served as Deputy, and later as Secretary, of the Joint Staff of the United Nations Command and Far East Command. Ramsey was promoted to Colonel on 31 January 1955.

In July 1957, COL Ramsey was again sent to Fort Benning where he commanded the 14th Infantry and later the 1st Infantry Brigade. In September 1958 he became the G-1 of the U.S. Army Infantry Center. He returned to the Far East in July 1959 and served as the U.S. Army Advisor to the Korean National Defense College until August 1960.

Colonel Ramsey returned to the Department of the Army General Staff in September 1960, where he served in the Office of the Chief of Legislative Liaison. In April 1963, he became Executive Officer of the newly-established Office, Assistant Chief of Staff for Force Development.

On 1 August 1964, Ramsey was promoted to the flag rank of Brigadier General and, in October 1964, became the Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Training Center at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He was appointed as Deputy Chief of Information, Department of the Army, Washington, DC, in March of 1966.

BG Ramsey was transferred to Fort McPherson, GA, in October 1967, where he became Chief of Staff, Third U. S. Army. The newly-promoted Major General Ramsey departed from the United States and arrived in Vietnam as Deputy Commanding General, Headquarters, 1st Logistical Command in December 1968. He remained in this position until 1 June 1969 when he became the Commanding General of the 23rd Infantry Division (Americal). MG Ramsey returned to the United States in April 1970 and was appointed as the Provost Marshal General, U. S. Army, in July 1970.

Major General Lloyd B. Ramsey retired from the Army on 1 August 1974.

Education

University of Kentucky - 1940 (BA)
Infantry Communication Course - 1940
Yale University, Psychology of Leadership - 1946
Command and General Staff College - 1950
Army War College - 1954
Harvard, Advanced Management Program - 1961

Medals, Awards & Badges

Distinguished Service Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Silver Star Medal with 2 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Legion of Merit with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star with Combat Valor Device and 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Purple Heart with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters
Air Medal with Numeral 16
Army Commendation Medal with Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster
American Defense Service Medal
American Theater Campaign Medal
European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
Army Occupation Medal (Germany)
National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star
Vietnamese Service Medal
Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm
Croix de Guerre (France)
Vietnamese Campaign Medal
Vietnamese Armed Forces Honor Medal
Member British Empire (MBE)
Vietnamese National Order, 5th Class
Combat Infantryman Badge
Glider Badge
General Staff Identification Badge
Distinguished Unit Badge

Post-Military Life

General Ramsey became chairman of the organizing board, McLean Savings and Loan Association in February 1974 while on active duty. He became Chairman of the Board in June 1977 after McLean Savings and Loan received authority to become operational in May 1977. General Ramsey was on the Executive Committee and a number of other committees of the Savings and Loan. He retired from McLean Savings and Loan Association in July 1988. He was also a director on the Board of McLean Financial Corporation and retired this position in August 1987.

Ramsey served on the board of the Northern Virginia Community Foundation for about 17 years; he was on the executive committee and served as 2d Vice-president for 2 years.

Served on the board of the Army Distaff Foundation. He served as Chairman of the Third Infantry Division Memorial Committee for 6 years. The task was completed in 1990.

Honors

General Ramsey is in the "Hall of Distinguished Alumni" at the University of Kentucky and is listed in "Who's Who's in America." He is also on the "Wall of Fame" of the University of Kentucky ROTC.

Personal Life