John E Ramsey was born on April 26th, 1928, growing up in Clovis, California. Following high school, he attended Oklahoma A&M, now Oklahoma State University. While at Oklahoma A&M, he was a member of XPI and TKR fraternities, the ROTC program, the Scabbard & Blade, Block & Bridle, and Officers Club organizations. Following graduation, he was deployed to Korea, becoming a platoon leader in the 25th Infantry Division. During his time with the Tropic Lightning, he was evacuated off the line due to combat fatigue following a horrific aerial attack which wiped out most of his platoon. Ramsey was sent to a hospital in Japan before being transferred to the 8034 Army Unit. The 8034 AU was a signal unit, where he served as a signal officer prior to being transferred back to Korea, now as the commanding officer of the 75MM Recoilless Rifle Platoon, M Company, 7th Cavalry Regiment.

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On the night of September 28th, 3rd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment was engaged in combat operations against the Chinese Communist Forces on Line Wyoming. Lt. Ramsey directed his 75mm gun section to fire on Chinese held bunkers on Hills 339 and 347, the huge shells sending violent force to the rear of the gun as they fired. Men hit the ground on either side of the guns as one of the gunners clicks the trigger button and sends the shell downrange. However, men soon began to seek cover for a different reason. Incoming Chinese artillery began to strike in the section's area, wounding and maiming Lt. Ramsey's men. He immediately ordered his men to bunkers, trenches, and any cover he could find for them before assessing the situation. A round had hit his own gun position, killing one and critically wounding four others. He dived into foxholes to render aid to the wounded and prepare them for immediate evacuation from the line. He moved under heavy enemy fire throughout the night, personally taking the wounded to a place of safety. He made the harrowing journey up and down the hill five times, demonstrating what a true hero and leader were. In total, 59 men were wounded in action that day. His actions not only saved three men but also boosted the morale of his platoon to continue the fight and deliver concentrated fire on enemy-held positions.