Scope and Contents

'A History of the 27th Maintenance Battalion in Vietnam' by Colonel John J. Ramsden.

Biographical / Historical

John J. Ramsden was born in 1933 at Ft. Dodge, Iowa. He enlisted in the US Army in 1951. From 1953-1957, he attended the United States Military Academy, at West Point. Ramsden served as an Active Duty Officer from 1957-1986. Of his 31 year career, he spent 13 months in Southeast Asia, stationed at Phu Bai and Bein Hoa. Ramsden was assigned to the 27th Maintenance Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division from July 1968-July 1969, where he served as Executive Officer. Ramsden also served 30 days temporary duty with 2nd Logistical Command in Okinawa, Japan, between 1966 and 1967. While in Southeast Asia, he held the rank of Major (O-4), and was involved in all 1st Cavalry Division campaigns from July 1968-July 1969. Ramsden received the Bronze Star, Air Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and Vietnam Campaign ribbons. After his service in Vietnam, Ramsden continued his military career with assignments as an Assistant Professor at West Point, with Battalion Command, Laboratory Command, a tour in Saudi Arabia, and at the Pentagon. He retired in 1986, with the rank of Colonel (O-6). He is a member of the 1st Cavalry Division Association.