During the interwar period, Ramsey served as a naval aviator on various naval staffs and ships. Reporting on board the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga (CV-3) in 1938, he was her executive officer into 1939. Later that year, he headed BuAer's Plans Division, and in 1941 became Assistant Chief of BuAer.
During World War II, he commanded the Saratoga from May through September 1942, covering the landings on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, on 7 August,[1] and participating in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons later in the month. For his skillful use of airpower against Japanese naval forces in the Solomons, he was awarded the Navy Cross.
Promoted to Rear Admiral on September 27, 1942, he yielded command of Saratoga over to Capt. Gerald Bogan, and then rode the ship (damaged during the Eastern Solomons battle) back to Pearl Harbor for repairs. In the Saratoga, he next commanded a task force that included a British carrier, HMS Victorious (R38).
DeWitt Clinton Ramsey
Service: Navy
Division: U.S.S. Saratoga (CV-3)
Place and date: Guadalcanal-Tulagi, 24 August 1942
GENERAL ORDERS: Board Serial 3954 (October 30, 1942)
Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain DeWitt Clinton Ramsey (NSN: 0-7813), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in the line of his profession as Commanding Officer of the Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. SARATOGA (CV-3), during the occupation of Guadalcanal-Tulagi and the Battle of the Solomons, 24 August 1942. The air groups under Captain Ramsey's command successfully attacked and damaged ships of two Japanese Task Forces during this action. By his leadership and effective control of the air squadrons attached to his command, he contributed most effectively to the success of this engagement. His outstanding performance of duty was at all times an inspiration to those who served under him and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.[3]
